Sweet Heat Korean BBQ Pork Skewers with Gochujang Glaze

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

Tender pork shoulder cubes threaded on skewers, brushed with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, and grilled for a smoky Korean flavor explosion. This korean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to make the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1.5 pounds of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder in half of the glaze until fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes and basting with remaining glaze, until pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and sprinkle with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Heat Korean BBQ Pork Skewers with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Sweet Heat Korean BBQ Pork Skewers 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 honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Heat Korean BBQ Pork Skewers 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 Sweet Heat Korean BBQ Pork Skewers 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 Sweet Heat Korean BBQ Pork Skewers with Gochujang Glaze?

Korean bbq & smoked 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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