Gochujang Pork Neck BBQ Craze
Hey foodies~^^ So guess what’s totally trending in 2025 right now? It’s none other than the spicy and juicy 목살 고추장구이 (Gochujang Pork Neck BBQ) — also known as Spicy Grilled Pork Neck or Korean Gochujang Pork BBQ! ㅋㅋ This dish is blowing up all over TikTok and Insta lately, especially after it made a surprise appearance on the March 29, 2025 episode of the hit Korean variety show 놀라운 토요일 (Amazing Saturday). Yup, the episode with the cast of the new K-drama 이혼보험 (Divorce Insurance) — Lee Dong-wook, Lee Da-hee, Lee Joo-bin, and Lee Kwang-soo were all there, and omg was it chaotic and hilarious ㅋㅋㅋ.
In that episode, they brought back the legendary “마피아 받아쓰기 (Mafia Dictation Game)” after like 8 months, and I swear, it was next-level funny. Lee Dong-wook was acting all suspicious and only wrote one line for the dictation — total mafia vibes ㅋㅋ. Lee Da-hee was savage as always, calling out Lee Kwang-soo like “You’re shameless!” and “So fake!” I mean, we live for this drama right?
But you know what really made me crave something spicy and satisfying while watching it? Yup — 목살 고추장구이. That perfect combo of tender pork neck, rich gochujang sauce, and sweet-salty flavor that sticks to your fingers and your heart ㅋㅋ. It's honestly the kind of dish you wanna make when you’re chilling with your besties for a K-variety night. Just like the cast bonding (and beefing) over mind games and food, you can totally recreate that vibe at home too — but with less betrayal and more ssamjang ㅋㅋ.
And let’s be real — pork neck is kinda underrated. It’s got just the right amount of fat to stay juicy, but not too greasy like samgyeopsal. Plus, gochujang is LIFE. That deep umami heat? Chef’s kiss. This recipe is super easy, super flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Or not sharing. You do you ㅋㅋ.
So in this post, I’ll walk you through everything: the ingredients, the marinade, how to grill it just right, and even what to serve it with (hint: kimchi is a must). Whether you're a K-food beginner or a full-on 한식 master, this one’s gonna be a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Ingredients (재료)
Let’s get into the delicious part — the ingredients! ㅎㅎ For this spicy grilled pork neck (목살 고추장구이), we’ll use simple but bold Korean flavors. The beauty of this recipe is how easy and customizable it is. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a fun gathering like the one on #놀라운토요일, this dish will surely impress your guests. 🍖🔥
If you can’t find 목살 (pork neck), you can also use 삼겹살 (pork belly). The key is to choose a cut with a bit of fat for that juicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet gochujang marinade. Here's everything you need, both in Korean and US measurements.
Ready? Let’s go shopping~
| Ingredient (재료) |
Amount (용량) |
| Pork neck (목살) or pork belly (삼겹살) |
300~400g (about 3~5 thick slices) |
| Gochujang (고추장) |
3 tablespoons |
| Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, 고춧가루) |
1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce (간장) |
3 tablespoons |
| Sugar (설탕) |
2 tablespoons |
| Oligodang or corn syrup (올리고당/물엿) |
2 tablespoons |
| Minced garlic (다진 마늘) |
1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil (참기름) |
1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper (후추) |
1 pinch |
Kitchen Tools (조리도구)
Don't worry — you don’t need any fancy equipment for this! This is a super beginner-friendly recipe that can be made right in your kitchen, just like how the cast of '이혼보험' might whip up something after a long day of filming. 😉
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare and cook your 목살 고추장구이:
- Cutting board (도마)
- Sharp knife (칼)
- Mixing bowl (볼)
- Tablespoon and teaspoon (계량 숟가락)
- Frying pan or grill pan (프라이팬 또는 그릴팬)
- Spatula or tongs (뒤집개 또는 집게)
- Optional: gloves for mixing the marinade
If you’re grilling outdoors, feel free to use a charcoal grill for extra flavor. But even on a stovetop, this dish delivers big time. ㅎㅎ
Notes (참고사항)
Servings: This recipe makes 2 generous servings — perfect for a 혼밥 night with leftovers or a cozy dinner for two, maybe while bingeing episodes of ‘놀라운 토요일’ ㅋㅋ.
Prep & Cook Time: About 15 minutes prep time and 15~20 minutes of cooking. If you marinate longer, allow an extra 30 minutes or more for best flavor.
Difficulty: Super easy! Even if you’re new to Korean cooking, this recipe is totally doable. No stress, just spicy, savory fun. 🎉
Step-by-Step Recipe (조리법)
Alright, now we’re getting to the fun part! Follow these easy steps to bring your 목살 고추장구이 to life. Just like how the ‘놀라운 토요일’ cast had to figure out who the 마피아 was, you’ll be solving the delicious puzzle of Korean BBQ at home. Let’s go, chef! 🔥
1. Prepare the pork
Using a sharp knife, cut the pork neck (or belly) into bite-sized pieces. About 4~5 cm is perfect. You want them thick enough to stay juicy but not too thick that they take forever to cook.
2. Make the marinade
In a mixing bowl, add gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, corn syrup, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until it becomes a thick, red paste. Smells amazing already, right? ㅎㅎ
3. Marinate the meat
Add your pork pieces into the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Use your hands (with gloves!) or a spoon. Make sure every piece is covered in that spicy magic.
4. Let it rest
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got time, 1~2 hours is even better. This step helps the flavors soak deep into the meat. Trust me, it’s worth it!
5. Heat your pan or grill
Place your frying pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. No need for oil — the fat from the pork will do the job! Once hot, add the marinated pork pieces in a single layer.
6. Grill the pork
Cook each side for about 3~4 minutes until the outside is caramelized and slightly charred. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed. Flip and repeat. The smell? Unreal. 😋
7. Serve hot and sizzling
Plate the grilled pork and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Serve with rice, lettuce wraps (쌈), or even just on its own. Add some kimchi, and bam — you’ve got a full Korean BBQ vibe at home!
Cooking Tips (조리 팁)
Substitutions: No gochugaru? You can use crushed red pepper flakes for a similar kick. No corn syrup? Just add a bit more sugar or honey. Don’t overthink it — this dish is flexible like Lee Kwang-soo’s improv skills ㅋㅋ.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat for best texture. It also makes a killer sandwich filling the next day!
Real-life advice: Don’t skip the resting time for the marinade. It seems like a small step, but it transforms the dish. Also, try not to flip the pork too early when cooking — let it sear and develop that tasty crust.
Korean Culture Insight (한국 문화 이야기)
In Korea, grilled meats like 목살 고추장구이 are more than just food — they’re a whole social experience! Whether it’s 회식 (company dinners), 명절 (holidays), or just a casual get-together, sitting around a table grilling meat is a bonding ritual. It’s a time to laugh, gossip, and maybe even play a little 마피아 게임 like on #놀라운토요일 ㅎㅎ.
Watching the cast of ‘놀토’, especially with the dramatic twists during the 마피아 받아쓰기 game, feels like hanging out with friends. And what better way to recreate that vibe than with sizzling pork, spicy sauce, and good company?
So invite a few friends over, pop on the latest episode of ‘놀라운 토요일’, and enjoy some 목살 고추장구이 together. Don’t forget the soju or makgeolli for the full Korean experience 😉. Cheers to good food and fun memories!
FAQ
Q. Do I really need to marinate the pork for 30 minutes?
A. Yup, marinating helps the flavors go deep into the pork, especially for this 목살 고추장구이. If you skip it, the flavor might just say "annyeong" and leaveㅋㅋ.
Q. Can I use chicken instead of pork for this recipe?
A. Sure thing! Chicken thighs work well too. But then it’s not exactly 목살 고추장구이 anymoreㅎㅎ. Still tasty tho~!
Q. What episode of Amazing Saturday is this again?
A. The episode aired on March 29, 2025, and it featured the cast of ‘이혼보험’ playing the legendary 마피아 받아쓰기 game. It’s a must-watch if you're into chaotic funㅋ.
Q. I’m not good at spicy food. Can I make it milder?
A. Of course! Just reduce the 고추장 and 고춧가루, and maybe add a bit more sugar or honey. Sweet and mild 목살 고추장구이 still hits the spot^^
Wrap-Up
Wahhh~ this episode of 놀라운 토요일 was totally daebakㅋㅋㅋ~ The 마피아 받아쓰기 game made a huge comeback after 8 months and brought so much chaosㅋㅋㅋ. Watching Lee Dong-wook getting all pouty because no one believed him? Goldㅋㅋ And Lee Kwang-soo with his awkward reactions?? I was rolling on the floorㅎ. Seriously, their 마피아 game was more intense than a K-drama plot twistㅎㅎㅎ. While watching the cast of ‘이혼보험’ going full Sherlock mode just to find the 마피아, it made me so hungry tooㅠㅠ
So yeah, I whipped up some 목살 고추장구이 and OMG... it was the perfect snack for this kind of entertainment marathonㅋㅋ! It’s spicy, sweet, juicy, and so easy. Even if you’re not a cooking pro, this recipe is totally doable~ Mix, marinate, grill, and boom – 맛있는 고기 heavenㅎㅎ. You can imagine Lee Da-hee saying “가증스럽다!” while you chomp on that porkㅋㅋㅋ
Whether you wanna impress your 친구들 with Korean vibes or just treat yourself to a tasty meal while binge-watching variety shows, this dish is a must-try^^. So go ahead, fire up that grill and enjoy some K-food magic with your own 마피아 squadㅋㅋㅋ.
