Soy-Free Spicy Pork Bulgogi

Experience bold, mouthwatering flavors with this Soy-Free Spicy Pork Bulgogi, a healthier twist on the classic Korean favorite that skips the soy without sacrificing taste. Thinly sliced pork shoulder is marinated in a rich blend of coconut aminos, gochugaru, sesame oil, honey, and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic, creating a spicy-sweet balance that's irresistibly savory. A touch of grated Korean pear (optional) adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat, while the marinade's quick absorption delivers robust flavor in every bite. Perfectly seared for caramelized edges, this quick-cooking dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Serve it with fluffy steamed rice, crisp lettuce wraps, or tangy kimchi for a complete Korean-inspired feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
• 4 tablespoons Coconut aminos (soy-free alternative to soy sauce)
• 1.5 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 2 tablespoons Honey (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Green onions (sliced, whites for marinade and greens for garnish)
• 0.5 Korean pear (grated, optional for added sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the pork shoulder by freezing it for about 30 minutes for easier slicing. Once semi-frozen, slice it thinly against the grain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the coconut aminos, gochugaru, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, and the whites of the green onions. If using Korean pear, grate it and add it to the marinade for extra sweetness and tenderness.

Step 3

Mix the marinade thoroughly, then add the sliced pork to the bowl. Massage the marinade into the pork to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.

Step 5

Once the pan is hot, add the marinated pork in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a nice caramelization and is cooked through.

Step 6

Remove the cooked pork from the pan and repeat with the remaining slices.

Step 7

Serve the pork bulgogi hot, garnished with the green parts of the sliced green onions. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or Korean side dishes like kimchi.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(727.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1778.5

Total Fat 133.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 1368.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.7g	0%
Total Sugars 54.6g
Protein 84.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 102.5mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 1675.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.3%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 14.9%