Grilled Korean-Style Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce

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

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce grilled to perfection and served with crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and 2 sliced green onions to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the pork slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 12 lettuce leaves on a platter. For each wrap, place grilled pork, a few julienned cucumber strips from 1/2 medium cucumber, julienned carrot from 1 medium carrot, and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately for wrapping and eating by hand.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Korean-Style Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Korean-Style Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Korean-Style Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce?

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 Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce 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 Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce?

Korean pork 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.

Related recipes