Smoked Korean BBQ Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze

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

Slow-smoked pork shoulder coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze creating tender, flavorful slices perfect for Korean-inspired meals. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 400 minutes pairs pork shoulder (Boston butt), kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 8, 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: 40 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 Korean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and rub evenly with 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F using indirect heat. Place pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 6 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup gochujang, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the pork shoulder generously with the gochujang glaze every 10 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from smoker and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Korean BBQ Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 400 minutes (40 min prep + 360 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 Smoked Korean BBQ 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 pork shoulder (boston butt) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Korean BBQ 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 Smoked Korean BBQ Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Smoked Korean BBQ 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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