Smoked Korean-Style BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Source: Pitmaster Joe Pearce
PREP TIME
30 mins
COOK TIME
120 mins
SERVING SIZE
5
What You’ll Need
- 2 Prairie Fresh pork tenderloins (about 1-1/5 lbs. each), silverskin removed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Marinade (reserve ½ cup for the BBQ glaze)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang – adjust to your spice preference
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Korean Barbecue Glaze
- ½ cup of the reserved marinade
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Optional Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Directions
- In a dish, whisk together the marinade. Reserve ½ cup in a separate container for the Korean BBQ Glaze.
- Add the pork tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours.
- Remove the pork tenderloins from the marinade and pat them lightly dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat your smoker between 225 and 250 F. Add your choice of wood chips or chunks according to your smoker’s instructions.
- Lightly coat the tenderloins with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloins directly on the smoker grates.
- Maintain the smoker temperature and add more wood chips/chunks as needed to generate smoke.
- Smoke the pork for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches about 135 F. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- While the pork is cooking, place the reserved marinade in a pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Simmer the glaze for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and coasts the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 135 F, begin basting the tenderloins generously with the Korean BBQ glaze.
- Continue to smoke the pork, basting every 10 to 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145 F, about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Remove the smoked and glazed pork tenderloins from the smoker and place them on a cutting board.
- Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Slice the pork tenderloins into medallions and serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Recipes You May Also Like