Chipotle Korean Pulled Pork

I’m about to blow your taste buds away with this Chipotle Korean Pulled Pork. If you’re looking for a dish that brings the heat and that sweet tangy kick, you’re in for a treat. I whipped up this recipe because I wanted to blend my love for Korean flavors with that classic pulled pork we all crave.

Trust me, once you get a whiff of that smoky goodness, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real: you’ll love this recipe because it’s got layers of flavor that will make your mouth sing. The combination of gochujang and soy sauce gives it that umami punch, while the sesame oil and ginger take it to the next level. And did I mention it’s easy?

We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor here. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to impress your friends on a Tuesday night, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it makes the best leftovers, if there are any left!

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

For this Chipotle Korean Pulled Pork, you’ll need some key ingredients that really pack a punch. Here’s the lineup:

• 1/2 cup Gochujang (that Korean chili paste you’ll want to keep on hand)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (for that salty depth)
• 1/2 cup Rice Vinegar (adds a tangy zing)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar or Honey (sweetness is life)
• 6 TBSP Sesame Oil (because it’s just so darn good)
• 4 TBSP Garlic, minced (the aroma, oh boy)
• 4 TBSP Ginger, minced (fresh is best)
• 2 TBSP Gochugaru (optional, but if you love heat, go for it)
• 1/2 cup Ketchup (don’t knock it till you try it)
• 1/4 cup Apple Juice (for wrapping during the cook)
• 1 Pork Shoulder (the star of our show)
• 1 TBSP BBQ Rub (just to give it that extra love)

Now, you’ll need a smoker or grill for that perfect smoky flavor. A good meat thermometer is also essential.

How To Make It

Preparation

First things first, let’s get our marinade going. In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey if you’re feeling sweet), sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, ketchup, and gochugaru if you want that extra kick. Give it a good mix until it’s all blended beautifully.

Next, score your pork shoulder. This step is super important because it allows the marinade to penetrate the meat better, making it even more flavorful. Now cover your pork with half of that luscious marinade and let it rest.

Ideally, you want to do this for at least four hours or, even better, overnight in the fridge. This is when the magic happens, folks!

While your pork is soaking up all that flavor, simmer down the other half of the marinade in a small pot. This will become your sauce to mix in with the pulled pork later. Just let it bubble away gently until it thickens up a bit.

Cooking

Alright, the time has come to fire up the grill or smoker. Preheat it to 225°F. Once it’s ready, take that beautiful pork shoulder out of the fridge and sprinkle it with your favorite BBQ rub.

This adds another layer of flavor and that nice crust we all crave.

Now, throw the pork on the smoker and let it do its thing. You want to cook it low and slow until you’ve built that stunning bark on the outside. Keep an eye on it; this could take a few hours.

When you see that gorgeous crust forming, grab some apple juice and wrap the pork tightly in foil. This will keep it moist and juicy.

Keep cooking until the internal temperature hits around 203°F. This is the sweet spot for pulled pork. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Seriously, don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for keeping all those juicy flavors locked in.

When you’re ready to serve, shred that pork using two forks, pour the extra sauce over it, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Serving & Variations

This Chipotle Korean Pulled Pork is super versatile. You can serve it on a fluffy bun for a killer sandwich, or pile it high on a plate alongside some coleslaw to balance out the flavors. It pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or even some rice for a heartier meal.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some pickled veggies or a spicy slaw on top for a fresh crunch. You can even use the leftovers in tacos, burritos, or even nachos.

These disappear faster than a cold beer on a hot day!

Pro Tips / Recipe Notes

Here are some of my go-to tips for nailing this recipe:

If you want to kick up the heat, go heavier on the gochugaru. – Letting the pork marinate overnight makes a world of difference. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. – Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

You can also freeze it for up to three months – just make sure to label it! – Experiment with different BBQ rubs to find your perfect flavor.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! This Chipotle Korean Pulled Pork is sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering. You’ll want to double this one next time because it’s just that good.

Give it a shot, and let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait for you to dive into this smoky, spicy goodness!

Recipe created by Nick Keith for Trust Me Try It.

Recipe created by Nick Keith for Trust Me Try It.