Korean BBQ Pork is a dish that dances on your taste buds, a delightful explosion of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. Imagine juicy pork marinated to perfection, sizzling away on the grill while the fragrant aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Jump to:
- Ingredients for Korean BBQ Pork
- How to Make Korean BBQ Pork
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What is Korean BBQ Pork?
- How do you make the marinade for Korean BBQ Pork?
- What cuts of pork are best for Korean BBQ?
- Can I cook Korean BBQ Pork in an oven?
- Conclusion for Korean BBQ Pork :
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that calls to mind summer nights spent with friends and family gathered around the grill. The excitement builds as everyone shares stories while waiting for that first bite of tender, flavorful pork. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy dinners at home; trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular on your menu.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Korean BBQ Pork recipe offers an explosion of flavor that makes your taste buds sing
- Preparation is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for special occasions
- The vibrant marinade creates a visually stunning dish perfect for entertaining guests
- Plus, it’s versatile—serve it in wraps, over rice, or even as tacos!
Ingredients for Korean BBQ Pork
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pork Shoulder: Opt for a well-marbled cut; it provides the tenderness and juiciness that’s essential for great flavor.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds depth and a kick of heat. Look for it in Asian markets or online.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This enhances the caramelization during cooking and gives a slight sweetness to counteract the savory elements.
For the Marinade:
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses an aromatic punch; use at least four cloves for maximum flavor.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds nuttiness and richness that complements the marinade beautifully.
Green Onions: These lend a fresh crunch; chop them finely and add both white and green parts to the mix.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Korean BBQ Pork
Marinate the Pork
Start by preparing your marinade. In a large bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and chopped green onions until smooth. The vibrant red color of gochujang will have you dreaming about dinner already!
Next, slice your pork shoulder into thick chunks so they soak up all that glorious flavor. Place them in the marinade and let them soak for at least an hour—overnight is even better if you can wait! This is where patience pays off as those flavors meld beautifully together.
Grill to Perfection
Now comes my favorite part: grilling! Preheat your grill over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to give those pork pieces some lovely sear marks. Once hot, place your marinated pork on the grill and cook each side for about five to seven minutes until you achieve a nice charred exterior.
Keep an eye on it—the smell will be too tempting! Your kitchen may even start plotting against you if you linger too long away from the grill. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are crispy and caramelized while remaining juicy inside.
Let It Rest
Once grilled to perfection, remove your pork from heat and let it rest for about five minutes. This step is crucial because resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of spilling everywhere when you cut into it—trust me; nobody wants a dry piece of pork!
Slice & Serve
Finally, slice up your beautifully grilled pork into thin strips that ooze with flavor. Serve it with rice or wrap it in lettuce leaves alongside some kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic experience. Just try not to drool too much as you plate this masterpiece!
Enjoy Your Creation
Dig into this delightful Korean BBQ Pork with friends or family—it’s truly meant to be shared! As each bite bursts with sweet and spicy goodness, you’ll feel like a culinary genius who just whipped up something extraordinary (even if you were just following my easy steps).
And there you have it—your journey into making Korean BBQ Pork has been completed! Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish promises fun flavors that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This Korean BBQ Pork recipe is not just a taste sensation; it transforms any meal into a vibrant feast
- You can easily adjust the spice level, making it perfect for everyone
- The beautiful caramelization adds an irresistible appeal that will wow your guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the pork for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor. Sear the pork on high heat to get that crispy exterior, then reduce to medium for even cooking. Serve with fresh veggies and rice for a complete meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this Korean BBQ Pork by adding different marinades or spices. Consider swapping out the pork for chicken or tofu. Add sesame seeds or green onions as a topping for extra flair and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Korean BBQ Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring it remains juicy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender Korean BBQ Pork, choose cuts like pork belly or shoulder
- Don’t skip marinating; it’s essential for flavor
- Lastly, let the meat rest after cooking to seal in juices for maximum tenderness
I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin couldn’t believe how good it was and asked for seconds—then thirds! It turned into a fun cooking competition with everyone trying their own variations.
FAQs :
What is Korean BBQ Pork?
Korean BBQ Pork is a flavorful dish that features marinated pork, often grilled or stir-fried. The marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sugar, creating a sweet and savory profile. This dish is popular in Korean cuisine and can be served with various side dishes such as rice and kimchi. Enjoying Korean BBQ Pork involves cooking the meat at high temperatures, allowing for a charred exterior while maintaining tenderness inside. It’s a favorite in many households and restaurants for its delicious taste and versatility.
How do you make the marinade for Korean BBQ Pork?
To create a delicious marinade for Korean BBQ Pork, combine soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl. You can also add grated ginger and green onions for additional flavor. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely. Place the pork into the marinade and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes; however, marinating overnight yields better results. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavors become. After marinating, your pork will be ready to grill or pan-fry to perfection.
What cuts of pork are best for Korean BBQ?
When preparing Korean BBQ Pork, certain cuts work better than others due to their flavor and tenderness. Popular choices include pork belly, pork shoulder, or tenderloin. Pork belly is particularly favored because of its rich fat content that adds juiciness and flavor when cooked. Tenderloin provides a leaner option while still being tender. Ultimately, the best cut depends on personal preference; experiment with different cuts to find your perfect match for this savory dish.
Can I cook Korean BBQ Pork in an oven?
Yes, you can cook Korean BBQ Pork in an oven if grilling isn’t an option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place marinated pork on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through while occasionally turning to ensure even cooking. For added charred flavor, broil for the last few minutes but watch closely to prevent burning. This method allows you to enjoy all the delicious flavors of Korean BBQ even without a grill.
Conclusion for Korean BBQ Pork :
In summary, Korean BBQ Pork is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors to your table through simple yet effective preparation methods. With a well-crafted marinade and suitable cuts of meat like pork belly or shoulder, you can create an unforgettable meal that captures the essence of Korean cuisine. Whether you choose to grill or bake your pork, each method enhances its natural taste while providing versatility in serving options. Embrace this dish for family gatherings or casual dinners; it is sure to impress everyone with its rich flavors and aromatic appeal.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Korean BBQ Pork
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Korean BBQ Pork is a tantalizing dish that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite. Marinated with gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic, the pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender and juicy when grilled to perfection. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, offering versatility as it can be served in wraps, over rice, or in tacos. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into thick chunks
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and chopped green onions to create the marinade.
- Add the pork chunks to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Let marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork for 5-7 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Serve with rice or lettuce wraps alongside kimchi or pickled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/3 cup (100g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg