Korean BBQ Pork Chops — A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Recipe

If you’re craving bold, smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, these Korean BBQ Pork Chops will hit every note perfectly. This recipe combines juicy, tender pork with a rich gochujang-based marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill or stovetop. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Pork Chops

• Packed with classic Korean flavors—gochujang, soy, ginger, garlic.

• Quick to marinate and quick to cook.

• Perfect with rice, kimchi, or grilled vegetables.

• Sticky, saucy, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4–6 bone-in or boneless pork chops

• 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

For the Korean BBQ Marinade

• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 3 tbsp brown sugar or honey

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped

• 1–2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – optional for spice

• 1 tbsp mirin (optional but recommended for sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and mirin (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.

2. Marinate the Pork Chops

Pat chops dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.Place them in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.Massage the marinade into the meat.

Marinate at least 1 hour, but overnight gives the best flavor.

3. Cook the Chops

Grill Method (Best Flavor)

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

2. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

3. Grill chops 4–5 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade.

4. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Stovetop Method

1. Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet with 1 tbsp oil.

2. Sear chops 3–4 minutes per side until caramelized.

3. Reduce heat, add a splash of water, and cover for 2–3 minutes to finish cooking.

Oven Method

1. Preheat to 400°F.

2. Sear chops in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.

3. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 8–10 minutes.

Garnish & Serve

Top with:

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

• A squeeze of lime (optional)

Serve with:

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Kimchi

• Grilled corn

• Sautéed bok choy

• Korean potato salad

Chef’s Tips

• Don’t overcook — pork is perfect at 145°F, juicy and tender.

• Bone-in chops add more flavor, but boneless works too.

• For extra sauce, simmer leftover marinade (don’t use raw) in a small pot for 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Korean BBQ Pork Chops are everything you want in a quick dinner—easy, flavorful, and deliciously sticky. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your guests will think you worked much harder than you did.