Discovering Korean BBQ
My Favorite is Spicy Korean Pork BBQ and I remember the first time I tried Spicy Korean Pork BBQ. It was a chilly evening, and my friend invited me to her home for dinner. As soon as I stepped inside, the warm smell of marinated pork filled the air. My mouth watered, and I felt excited to taste something new. My friend told me how her family had been making this dish for generations, and I was eager to learn more.
A Simple Recipe
She showed me how to prepare the pork. We started by mixing gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. I loved how the colors blended together, creating a beautiful marinade. We cut the pork into thin slices and let it soak in the mix for a while. While we waited, we prepared fresh vegetables like carrots and green onions to serve with the BBQ. The whole process felt like a fun adventure.
Cooking Together
When the pork was ready, we heated up a grill. I could hear the sizzling sound as we placed the marinated meat on the hot surface. The sweet and spicy aroma filled the kitchen, making it even harder to wait. My friend taught me how to flip the pork just right, so it cooked evenly. We laughed and chatted as we cooked, sharing stories about our favorite meals and childhood memories.
A Memorable Feast
Finally, we gathered around the table with the cooked pork and colorful veggies. Each bite was bursting with flavor—spicy, sweet, and smoky all at once. I felt so happy enjoying this delicious meal with my friend. That night, I not only discovered a tasty dish but also learned the joy of cooking together. Now, whenever I make Spicy Korean Pork BBQ, I think of that special evening and the memories we created.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Spicy Korean Pork BBQ
- For the most flavorful results, let the pork marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Ensure the pork belly is sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch thick) for optimal grilling. If using a whole pork shoulder or loin, consider slicing it yourself or ask your butcher for help.
- Preheat your grill or pan properly before adding the pork. This ensures a nice sear and helps lock in juices. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Serve the pork with steamed rice and a variety of Korean side dishes (banchan) like kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the grill alongside the pork for added flavor and texture. Toss them in a bit of sesame oil and salt before grilling.
- Don’t skip the ssamjang! This traditional Korean dipping sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can mix it with a bit of sesame oil or crushed garlic for an extra kick.
Spicy Korean Pork BBQ
4
servings20
minutes15
minutes450
kcal30
minutes1
hour5
minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with this Spicy Korean Pork BBQ! This dish is bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for any BBQ gathering. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, this recipe will make you the star of the party. Marinated to perfection and grilled to a delightful char, this pork dish is a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Ingredients
- Pork
1 pound thinly sliced pork belly (substitute with pork shoulder or loin if preferred)
- Marinade
½ cup finely grated Asian pear
¼ cup pureed onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp minced fresh ginger
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tbsp rice syrup (or substitute with 2 tablespoons brown sugar)
pinch ground black pepper
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp Korean hot pepper paste (gochujang)
Directions
- Marinade Preparation – In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Asian pear, pureed onion, minced garlic, ginger, chopped green onion, soy sauce, sugar, rice syrup (or brown sugar), ground black pepper, sesame oil, and hot pepper paste. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Marinating the Pork – Add the thinly sliced pork belly to the marinade mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated by mixing well with your hands or a spoon. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cooking the Pork – Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the marinated pork slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely charred and cooked through. Be careful not to burn the meat by adjusting the heat as necessary.
- Serving Suggestions – Serve the grilled pork with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping. Accompany with ssamjang dipping sauce, sliced garlic cloves, green chili peppers, and optional perilla leaves. Add kimchi or other Korean side dishes (banchan) for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Spicy Korean Pork BBQ
Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pork belly with pork shoulder or loin. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts may take longer to cook.
What can I use instead of Korean hot pepper paste (gochujang)?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a mix of miso paste and a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce as an alternative, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness of the dish can vary based on the amount of gochujang used. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and adjust to your preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the pork a day in advance. Just grill it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
What should I serve with Spicy Korean Pork BBQ?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping, and various banchan (Korean side dishes) like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and sautéed greens.
