Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Korean Gochujang Glaze

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

Tender pork tenderloin pan-seared and finished with a spicy-sweet Korean gochujang glaze, served with sautéed garlic and sesame greens. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, 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 320 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place pork in skillet and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and brush glaze over pork, cooking for an additional 3 minutes while spooning glaze over the top to form a sticky coating.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch medallions.
  4. Step 4: While pork rests, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in another pan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the pan with garlic, season with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Plate pork medallions atop the garlic spinach and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Korean Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Korean 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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Korean 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 Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Korean 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 Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Korean 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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