Grilled Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slices grilled over charcoal and brushed with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze that caramelizes beautifully. This korean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 82 minutes pairs sliced 1/2-inch thick pork shoulder, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until smooth and glossy.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 lbs of 1/2-inch thick pork shoulder slices in a large shallow dish and pour half of the gochujang glaze over the meat, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork slices for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing frequently with the reserved gochujang glaze, until the meat is cooked through and the glaze caramelizes with slightly charred edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Glaze?

Korean bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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