Pork Bulgogi Recipe | Air Fryer Bulgogi

Pork Bulgogi or Korean Dae Ji Bulgogi is a wonderful way to get a savory, umami, spicy Korean pork dish for an easy weeknight dinner in your air fryer. Wrap up the meat in lettuce leaves and enjoy a fabulous low carb keto dinner.

Why You're Going To Love This Air Fryer Recipe

• Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
• Easy. Create the marinade, let the meat and onions soak, toss in the air fryer, and cook.
• High Protein. This Pork Bulgogi has 15 grams of protein per serving.
• Low Carb. A meal so good you won't even realize it's keto friendly. Only 9 net carbs per serving.

If you can marinade and prepare this Dae Ji Bulgogi the night before, this cooks in just 15 minutes! It's the perfect way to have dinner ready quickly if you have a rushed night or are just too tired to cook.

How Is Dae Ji Bulgogi Different From Regular Bulgogi?

Dae Ji Bulgogi is very similar to regular bulgogi, but instead of using beef, you make this as pork bulgogi instead. Just like regular bulgogi, it too is made with gochujang, which is a Korean red pepper paste and is used in several of my recipes like my Keto Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings. It has amazing flavor and you should pick it up if you see it in the store!

If you'd like to make this in the Instant Pot, here's an Instant Pot Daeji Bulgogi recipe as well. 

What Does Pork Bulgogi Taste Like?

Pork Bulgogi has a bold, savory-sweet flavor with a perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and umami.

The pork is tender and juicy, coated in a caramelized glaze made from gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. You’ll taste a mix of sweet heat from the chili paste, nuttiness from the sesame, and subtle depth from the ginger and onions.

The result is a rich, flavorful dish that’s slightly spicy, a little sweet, and irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound Boneless Pork Shoulder- The main protein of the dish, pork shoulder is rich and flavorful with just enough fat to stay tender and juicy when marinated and air fried.
• 1 Onion- Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the marinade, helping to tenderize the pork while balancing the savory and spicy flavors.
• 1 tablespoon Minced Ginger- Brings a warm, slightly spicy note that cuts through the richness of the pork and enhances the depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic- Adds aromatic, savory flavor that forms the backbone of the bulgogi seasoning, complementing the ginger and soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce – Provides umami and saltiness, serving as the savory base of the marinade. It also helps deepen the overall flavor of the pork.
• 1 tablespoon Rice Wine- Helps tenderize the meat while adding a subtle sweetness and depth that rounds out the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil- Contributes a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that’s essential in Korean cooking, adding warmth and complexity.
• 2 tablespoons Splenda- Balances the heat and salt with a touch of sweetness while keeping the recipe low-carb. You can substitute sugar if desired.
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang- A key Korean chili paste that provides spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. It coats the pork beautifully and creates that signature bulgogi glaze.
• 1 teaspoon Gochugaru- Korean red chili flakes that add a touch of smokiness and adjustable heat, enhancing the color and depth of the dish.
• 1/4 cup Water- Helps dissolve the marinade ingredients evenly and ensures the pork cooks up juicy and flavorful rather than dry.
• 1 teaspoon Salt- Balances all the flavors and enhances the natural savoriness of the pork and seasonings.

How To Make Pork Bulgogi

This Pork Bulgogi recipe really couldn't be much more simple. In fact, most of the work is making sure you have all of the ingredients and remembering to marinate the pork ahead of time.

Follow the easy steps below for a tasty Air Fryer Bulgogi recipe that is delicious and made perfectly every time:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ingredients for the marinade.
2. Add the onions and pork and allow to marinade for at least 30 minutes. This can be allowed to marinate overnight if needed.
3. Place the pork and onions in the air fryer basket and allow to cook.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pork and onions from the air fryer and enjoy.

Watch The Video Of How It's Made

Tips And Tricks

Making Air Fryer Pork Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy the classic Korean dish with crispy edges and juicy, caramelized meat. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to get perfect results every time:

• If you do not eat pork, use beef sirloin or chicken thighs.
• There is no substitute for gochujang in this recipe. If you buy it, I have several gochujang recipes that use this tasty goodness. It keeps well for months in the refrigerator.
• If you are GF, use this brand of GF gojuchang, as some varieties do contain wheat.
• You can sub 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or honey for the Splenda if you prefer more natural sweeteners.

Variations

Air Fryer Pork Bulgogi is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Vegetable Bulgogi- Mix in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it a complete one-pan air fryer meal.
• Beef or Chicken Swap- Substitute thinly sliced beef ribeye or chicken thighs for pork to create different versions with the same flavorful marinade.
• Tofu Bulgogi- For a vegetarian twist, use extra-firm tofu, press it dry, and marinate it the same way before air frying until crisp on the edges.

What To Eat With Pork Bulgogi

While this recipe is astonishingly flavorful and filling on its own, you may find yourself wanting a little something else to go with it, or a carb-rich side dish to serve your family or friends that do not share the same dietary lifestyle as you do.

If you're looking for ideas to serve alongside this Pork Bulgogi, here are some of my favorites:

• Instant Pot Rice
• Korean Cucumber Salad
• Gamja jorim
• Kimchee

How Long Does It Last?

I can't say that I've ever had any leftover pork bulgogi. It is so flavorful and utterly addictive. If you have a little more self-control than we do, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it should stay just as tasty as the day you made it for 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Air Fryer Pork Bulgogi, and it freezes quite well. To do so, let the cooked pork cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag.

You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bulgogi overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat.

Looking For More Korean Recipes?

In under 30 minutes, have delicious Pressure Cooker Keto Bo-Ssäm Pork & Noodles that the whole family will enjoy! Also, check out my Air Fryer Korean Tacos. These tacos are crazy easy to make, and you're going to love the flavors!

If you love this Korean Pork Bulgogi recipe as much as we do, make sure you share itwith your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.