Grilled Spiced Korean Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze

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

Tender pork shoulder grilled to perfection and brushed with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze delivering a vibrant Korean BBQ flavor. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until smooth and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs of 1/2-inch thick pork shoulder slices to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the marinated pork pieces for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with leftover marinade, until the pork is charred at the edges and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spiced Korean Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spiced Korean Pork Shoulder with 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 Spiced Korean Pork Shoulder with 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 Spiced Korean Pork Shoulder with 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 Spiced Korean Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze?

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.

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