High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps
Sizzling marinated pork cooked over high heat and served in crisp lettuce leaves with spicy-sweet dipping sauce. This korean-inspired high protein (high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, 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 360 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 2, chopped green onions
- 8 large romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving to develop a char.
- Step 4: Flip the pork slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp water to make a dipping sauce.
- Step 6: To serve, spoon the hot pork onto 8 large romaine lettuce leaves, sprinkle with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (35 min prep + 10 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 High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps?
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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps?
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 High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps 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.
Is High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The lettuce wraps were a hit at my dinner party. So flavorful and healthy!
- ★★★★★
Loved the quick prep and the delicious taste. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for weeknight dinners. The high-heat method really sealed in the flavors.