Korean Chile-Sesame Pork & Cabbage
Tender pork, crisp-edged cabbage, and a glossy ginger-garlic sauce deliver savory Korean chile heat with a fragrant sesame finish.
- Total time: 40 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $7
- Calories per serving: 580 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
-
Boneless pork loin12 oz $2.49
-
Green cabbage12 oz $0.99
-
Yellow onion4 oz $0.89
-
Parboiled white rice1/2 cup dry $1.79
-
Garlic3 cloves $2.49
-
Fresh ginger2 teaspoons finely grated $3.99
-
Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)2 teaspoons
-
Soy sauce1 tablespoon
-
Rice vinegar1 tablespoon
-
Sugar2 teaspoons
-
Toasted sesame oil2 teaspoons
-
Neutral cooking oil1 tablespoon
-
Diamond Crystal kosher salt2 3/4 teaspoons
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
-
Slice 12 oz boneless pork loin across the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Toss with 1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt and refrigerate while preparing the vegetables and sauce.
-
Remove the tough core from 12 oz green cabbage and cut the leaves into roughly 1-inch pieces. Peel and thinly slice 4 oz yellow onion. Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves, then peel and finely grate enough fresh ginger to measure 2 teaspoons.
-
Stir together the sauce in a small bowl:
- 2 teaspoons gochugaru
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
Set the sauce and prepared vegetables beside the stove.
-
Combine 1/2 cup dry parboiled white rice, 1 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 18–20 minutes, until tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Cook the stir-fry during the final 15 minutes of the rice’s cooking and resting time.
-
Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil, then spread the seasoned pork in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving, then stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to a clean plate.
-
Add the remaining 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil to the skillet. Add the prepared cabbage and onion with 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, until browned in spots and just tender. Add the prepared garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
-
Return the pork and its juices to the skillet and add the sauce. Toss over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes, until glossy and the pork reaches 145°F. Remove from the heat and let stand for 3 minutes.
-
Fluff the rice and divide between two bowls. Spoon the pork and cabbage alongside it, distributing the glossy pan sauce over both portions.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the chile heat and complements the cabbage’s sweetness.