Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi

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Take your nacho game to the next level with these irresistible Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos! Spicy, caramelised ground pork meets tangy kimchi, gooey melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips for the ultimate fusion platter. Bold, flavourful, and perfect for sharing, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi on a non stick baking sheet with wooden spatula

Korean flavours are one of my favourites to cook with - if there's a way to add a twist with some Korean ingredients, you know I'll be doing it! For a complete meal, pair these nachos with crisp shredded lettuce and refreshing cucumber slices - the perfect palate cleansers to balance the dish's heat. This family-friendly meal is a creative spin on a classic that's sure to have everyone digging in for more!

Calories in Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi

This recipe serves 4 and is 345 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Ingredients Notes

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

Lean Ground Pork - A lean, tender protein that absorbs bold flavours and adds richness without excess fat.
Onion - Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked.
Low Calorie Spray - A light option for sautéing without added fat.
Soy Sauce - Provides umami and balances the flavours.
Gochujang - A spicy-sweet Korean chilli paste that adds depth and heat. Tip: Buy gochujang in a tub rather than a bottle, as tub varieties tend to be thicker and more flavourful, while bottled versions can be thinner.
Sesame Oil - Adds a nutty, toasted flavour to enrich the dish.
Maple Syrup - Offers natural sweetness to balance the spice.
Ginger & Garlic - A fragrant, aromatic duo that infuses the pork with savoury warmth and zest.
Tortilla Chips - A crisp base for your nachos. I like to use Siete grain-free chips, but any tortilla chips will work just fine.
Kimchi - Fermented, tangy, and spicy, it adds a punch of flavour and complexity.
Cheddar & Mozzarella - A creamy and rich combination that melts beautifully, adding both sharpness and stretch to the dish.
Green Onions - Fresh, mild onion flavour that brightens up the dish.
Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise - Used to make a creamy sauce to drizzle over the nachos, adding richness without as many calories.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

spicy korean gochujang ground pork in a frying pan with wooden spoon

Variations and Substitutes

This dish is versatile, so feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have available.

Kimchi Substitute: If you can't get store-bought kimchi, try my Quick Fresh Kimchi recipe for a homemade option that adds a vibrant, tangy kick.
Gochujang Substitute: Gochujang is best for its unique depth of flavour, but if you can't find it, sriracha will work as a substitute. It offers heat, though it lacks the fermented umami of gochujang, so you might want to add a splash of soy sauce or a little honey to balance the flavours.
Ground Meat Variations: While this recipe uses extra lean ground pork, you can easily switch it out for other ground meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, depending on what you prefer or have on hand. Each will bring its own twist to the dish, but they'll all work beautifully with the flavours.
Tortilla Chips Substitute: If you prefer homemade chips, swap in your own oven baked or air-fried chips or fries as the base layer instead of tortilla chips. See my Perfect Oven Baked Fries recipe

Feel free to experiment with these options to suit your preferences or dietary needs while keeping the essence of this flavour-packed dish intact!

Sides for Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi

To make this dish even more satisfying, consider serving it with these simple and complementary sides:

Crisp Shredded Lettuce: A light, refreshing side that helps balance the richness and spice of the nachos. The cool crunch of lettuce provides a perfect contrast to the warmth of the dish.
Cucumber Slices: Refreshing and mildly sweet, cucumber slices are a great palate cleanser to cut through the heat of the gochujang and add a touch of freshness to the meal.
Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy slaw pairs beautifully with the spicy nachos, offering a crunchy, cool contrast to the bold flavours of the dish.
Avocado Slices or Guacamole: The creaminess of avocado is a welcome addition to counteract the spice, adding a smooth texture to each bite.
Grilled Vegetables: A side of charred peppers, zucchini, or corn will add a smoky, savoury element that complements the nachos' flavours.
Danmuji (Korean Pickled Radish): The bright, tangy bite of Korean pickled radish provides a delicious contrast to the richness and spice of the nachos, adding a crunchy and refreshing element.

These sides add variety and balance to your meal, helping to enhance the flavours and ensure everyone has something to enjoy!

close up of Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi on non stick baking tray

More Korean Recipes

If you love Korean food, check out some of the other Korean Inspired Recipes on Slimming Eats:

see more Korean Recipes

or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.

FAQ for Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can easily swap the extra lean ground pork for other ground meats like chicken, turkey, or beef. Each type of meat will bring a slightly different flavour, but all will work beautifully with the other ingredients.

Can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add extra gochujang or even some gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Just keep in mind that the gochujang already adds a decent amount of heat, so go easy to avoid overpowering the dish. You can also make it less spicy by reducing the amount of gochujang used.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ground pork mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply heat it up, assemble the nachos, and melt the cheese on top.

serving of Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi on a bed of shredded lettuce, with baking tray of nachos in background

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Recipe Card

Gochujang Ground Pork Nachos with Kimchi

Yield: SERVES 4

Ingredients

low calorie spray
455g (1lb) of extra lean ground pork, raw
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons of gochujang (use less if you prefer)
2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or honey)
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons of sesame oil
112g (3.95oz) of tortilla chips (I used Siete grain free)
½ cup of kimchi (approx 8 tablespoons)
50g (1.76oz)of mozzarella, grated
50g (1.76oz) of reduced fat cheddar, grated
3 green onions (scallions), chopped (use the green parts only)

For the spicy mayo:

5 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon gochujang
A splash of water, to loosen and make it drizzleable

Instructions

Spray a frying pan with low-calorie spray.
Add the ground pork and onion, and cook until the pork is no longer pink and the onion has softened.
While the pork is cooking, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
Pour this sauce over the pork in the pan and continue to cook on medium-high heat until the sauce caramelises around the pork. This step is crucial as it adds a lot of flavour.
Once the pork is caramelised, it's time to assemble the nachos.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan), 190°C, or 375°F (Gas Mark 5).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tortilla chips evenly on top.
Scatter the caramelised ground pork and kimchi over the chips.
Sprinkle with cheddar, mozzarella, and green onions.
Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Mix the mayonnaise with gochujang and add a little water to loosen it up.
Drizzle the spicy mayo over the nachos and enjoy!

Notes

Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:

Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
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Nutrition Information

Yield 4 Serving Size 1 SERVING
Amount Per Serving Calories 499Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 42mgSodium 1120mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 6gSugar 14gProtein 33g

Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.