Our simple and delicious Korean Pork Tenderloin is a dish that masterfully blends the rich, savory flavors of tender pork with the spicy and sweet notes of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of Korean flavors or simply love a good grilled pork dish, this recipe is going to be a hit. The fusion of Korean chili flakes and sauces with traditional grilling techniques creates a mouth-watering meal that’s both a change to your typical Grilled Pork Tenderloin and easy enough to be a weeknight meal.
Korean Pork Tenderloin
Korean Pork Tenderloin offers a unique twist on the classic grilled pork. The key lies in its rich blend of spices, including Korean chili flake, also known as “gochugaru”, and the sweet tang of dark brown sugar. The addition of a specially crafted sauce featuring Korean chili sauce (better known as “gochujang”), teriyaki, and sriracha, adds layers of depth to the flavor profile. This dish is not just about tantalizing your taste buds but also about enjoying a culinary creation that’s both simple to make and impressively delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your preference or experiment with different side dishes to complement the tenderloin. The combination of grilling and the unique spice mix results in a tender, juicy pork that’s infused with a harmonious blend of flavors. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore the richness of Korean cuisine while enjoying the familiar comfort of grilled pork.
Want a great Korean-inspired side? Try our Quick Cucumber Kimchi!
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Rich Flavors: The mix of gochugaru and brown sugar creates a delightful balance of spicy and sweet.
- Perfectly Grilled: The tenderloin is grilled and stays super moist throughout, offering the perfect texture for grilled pork.
- Versatile Sauce: The blend of gochujang, teriyaki, and sriracha offers a unique and customizable taste.
- Simple to Prepare: Despite its bold, unique flavors from Korean cooking, this dish is straightforward to prepare.
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Korean Pork Tenderloin shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Whole pork tenderloin
- Korean chili flake (gochugaru)
- Dark brown sugar granules
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Korean chili sauce (gochujang)
- Teriyaki sauce
- Sriracha sauce
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How to make Korean Pork Tenderloin
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Preheat
Start by preheating the grill to 350°F.
2
Dry Rub
Mix the dry spices and apply them evenly to the pork.
3
Grill
Grill the tenderloin, rotating it once midway through the initial 15 minutes.
4
Sauce
Brush the tenderloin with the sauce mixture and continue grilling, repeating the process after another 15 minutes.
5
Rest
Grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then let it rest before slicing.
Try our Smoked Gochujang Pork Tenderloin!
Korean Pork Tenderloin FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, but cooking times may vary, and so will the general level of tenderness. Some good pork chops would be GREAT using this recipe. The key to keeping your pork moist is going to be cooking to temp and NOT to time. That’s the key to almost all good food, in fact, but pork is especially important. Use a high-quality thermometer like the Meater 2 or the ThermoWorks Signals Wireless Thermometer for your best results!
Is it too spicy for kids?
It depends on the kid! If your little one is super sensitive to spice, they may find the gochujang and gochugaru too overpowering. That with the sriracha can pack a little punch, but only for those who tend to avoid any and all spice. If you can handle a little heat you’ll be just fine with this dish, and so will kids who like it a little hot. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the gochugaru and sriracha.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
I don’t recommend making this for company a day ahead of time or anything, as lean meats, especially pork, always tastes better fresh off the grill. If you are meal-planning and packing lunches from home, however, a few slices of this with some rice and steamed vegetables is such a solid choice above take-out or a frozen meal or something , I can’t steer you away. Just make sure not to overcook it, and when you reheat it, heat it to steaming but not for too excessive a time period. Lock that moisture in!
Serve this with…
More great pork tenderloin recipes to love!
- Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce
- Smoked Pork Tenderloin
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Teriyaki
- Togarashi Pork Tenderloin
- Smoked Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Korean Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Easily one of my favorite ways to serve pork tenderloin, this grilled Korean Pork Tenderloin features some of our favorite flavors that are prevalent in our favorite Korean dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili flake (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar granules
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Korean chili sauce (gochujang)
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 350°F.
- While heating, mix the chili flake, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Sprinkle evenly on all sides of the tenderloin.
- Place your tenderloin directly onto the grill's surface.
- Mix the sauce ingredients together.
- After the tenderloin has been cooking for 15 minutes, rotating once mid-way through the 15 minutes, brush the wet mix on the top and the bottom.
- Wait another 15 minutes and repeat the same process.
- Let cook for approximately another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 145°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 649mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 40g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.