Let me tell you about the time I first made Korean Pulled Pork with Gochujang Glaze. It was a game-changer for my dinner parties! Ever since that day, I’ve whipped it up at least a dozen times, and it never fails to impress. The combination of tender, juicy pork with that sweet and spicy Gochujang glaze is absolutely mouthwatering. Trust me when I say, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked too!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Pulled Pork
- Incredibly Flavorful: The Gochujang glaze adds a unique and delicious twist that elevates the classic pulled pork to another level.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Serve it on buns, rice, or even lettuce wraps. The possibilities are endless!
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the glaze and toppings make for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the pulled pork in advance, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or parties.
The Secret to Perfect Korean Pulled Pork
The secret ingredient in this Korean Pulled Pork recipe is, without a doubt, the Gochujang. This Korean chili paste brings a sweet, spicy depth that you just can’t replicate with anything else. When I first discovered this, I felt like I’d unlocked a culinary treasure! A little goes a long way, so start small and adjust to your taste. Trust me, you’ll love the layers of flavor it adds. Remember to marinate your pork overnight if you can; it makes all the difference in infusing those flavors into the meat!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This Korean Pulled Pork was the hit of our dinner party! Everyone was raving about the flavors. I can’t wait to make it again!” – Sarah M.
“I never thought pulled pork could be this good! The Gochujang glaze is out of this world. Thank you for sharing this recipe!” – Jason T.
“I made this for a family gathering, and it disappeared in minutes! Everyone asked for the recipe. It’s a total winner!” – Linda W.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Mango Korean Pulled Pork: Add diced mango to the glaze for a fruity twist.
- Sesame Ginger Korean Pulled Pork: Incorporate sesame oil and fresh ginger for a nutty flavor.
- Kimchi Korean Pulled Pork: Stir in chopped kimchi just before serving for an extra tang.
- Garlic Soy Korean Pulled Pork: Add minced garlic and soy sauce to the marinade for a deeper umami flavor.
Bonus: Try serving it in tacos with fresh cilantro and lime for a fun fusion twist!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use another cut of pork? Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal, you can use pork loin or tenderloin, but be aware that they may dry out faster.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just follow the same steps, but cook on low for about 8 hours instead of in the oven.
What can I substitute for Gochujang? If you can’t find Gochujang, a mix of sriracha and miso paste can work in a pinch, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns, over rice, or in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Perfect Occasions for Korean Pulled Pork
- Game Day Gatherings
- Summer BBQs
- Casual Family Dinners
- Potluck Parties
- Festive Holiday Feasts
- Casual Weeknight Meals
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now that you’re excited, let’s dive into the recipe!
Korean Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup Gochujang
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Tip: For an extra tender result, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight in the glaze mixture!
Extend ingredients section: Feel free to add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy note, or some chopped scallions for added crunch. Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor profile, so don’t skip the garlic and ginger—they’re essential!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. This glaze is where the magic happens, so taste it and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, ensuring the pork is well-coated, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This is the time to let those flavors soak in!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Low and slow is the name of the game here to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Step 4: Roast the Pork
Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and place it in a roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper, then cover with foil. Roast for 4-5 hours, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the pork is fork-tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can pull it apart easily!
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. If you like a crunchy texture, toss it under the broiler for a few minutes after shredding for that extra crisp!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pulled pork on buns, over rice, or in lettuce wraps. Drizzle with extra Gochujang glaze and top with green onions and sesame seeds. Get ready for the compliments!
Nutrition Info: Per serving (based on 8 servings): Calories: 300, Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fat: 10g.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! This Korean Pulled Pork with Gochujang Glaze is not just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen at your table. If you’re looking to impress friends or simply treat yourself, this dish will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it!
