High-Heat Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Flip the pork slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and caramelized. Remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp water to make a dipping sauce.
  6. 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.

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