Sugar-Free Spicy Pork Bulgogi
Turn up the heat without the sugar with this mouthwatering Sugar-Free Spicy Pork Bulgogi! This healthier twist on the Korean classic features tender slices of marinated pork shoulder infused with bold flavors from gochugaru, gochujang, garlic, and ginger. Natural sweetness from grated pear replaces added sugar, while low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil provide a savory depth. Cooked to caramelized perfection in just minutes, this dish is not only quick but also customizable—perfect served over fluffy steamed rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Ideal for anyone seeking a flavorful, sugar-free Korean BBQ experience, this recipe is a simple yet stunning crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams Pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons Soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste, sugar-free if available)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Ginger (minced)
- 1 small Pear (peeled and grated, for natural sweetness)
- 2 stalks Green onion (sliced thinly)
- 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 8 leaves Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, gochugaru, gochujang, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, grated pear, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2
Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands (wear gloves if preferred) to gently massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
Step 3
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the pork, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and caramelized, about 7-10 minutes per batch.
Step 4
Remove the cooked pork from the skillet and repeat with the remaining meat if necessary. Be sure to scrape any caramelized bits from the pan to enhance the flavor.
Step 5
Serve the spicy pork bulgogi hot, garnished with sliced green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. It can be enjoyed over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (871.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1698.5 |
| Total Fat 121.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 38.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g | |
| Cholesterol 350mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3077.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 58.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 22.8g | |
| Protein 101.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 217.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2504.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories