For this Spicy BBQ Pork Tenderloin, we start with tender pork tenderloins marinated in a bold Korean-style BBQ sauce, then finish them on a pellet grill for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner. The marinade gives the meat a bright, spicy-sweet glaze and the pellet grill delivers a smoky note that complements the sauce perfectly.
Pellet Grill Spicy BBQ Pork Tenderloin
I’ve been a fan of Korean flavors for years. My introduction to those bold, balanced flavors was years ago, and the sweet, spicy, and savory profile of Korean-style marinades has stuck with me—especially for grilling. This recipe captures that spirit without aiming to be a strict traditional dish.
A premade spicy Korean-style BBQ marinade makes this recipe fast and reliable. If you prefer to make a marinade from scratch you can substitute a homemade bulgogi or gochujang-based sauce, but the ready-made options save time and still deliver great flavor.
Note: this dish draws inspiration from Korean BBQ flavors but is adapted for an easy home cook’s routine—marinade, grill, rest, and serve. It’s perfect when you want bold taste without a long ingredient list.
More Easy Traeger Recipes here!
Recipe Shopping List
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this straightforward dinner. Quantities and full directions are in the recipe card below.
If you can find a pre-made spicy Korean-style BBQ marinade at the store, this becomes a very short shopping trip. If not, substitute your favorite spicy-sweet Asian-style sauce or make a simple mix of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or honey.
- Spicy Korean-style BBQ sauce or marinade
- Pork tenderloins (2 small or 1 large, about 1.5–2 pounds total)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How To Make This Recipe
This recipe is quick and forgiving. The steps below give you an overview; full measurements and timing are included in the recipe card further down.
- Marinate – Place the pork tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and turn to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or up to overnight) so the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill – Heat your pellet grill or other grill to 425–450°F. This high heat forms a nice crust while keeping the interior juicy.
- Grill – Place the tenderloins directly on the grill grates. After 5–7 minutes, flip and continue grilling, turning as needed, until the internal temperature reaches about 140°F. If you prefer to follow food-safety recommendations, pull at 145°F; carryover will raise the temperature slightly during resting.
- Rest – Tent the meat with foil and let it rest 8–10 minutes. Resting keeps the juices in the meat so slices stay moist.
- Slice and serve – Slice against the grain, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve with your favorite sides.
Serve This With
- Steamed or instant pot basmati rice – the rice soaks up the sauce and balances the spice.
- Grilled asparagus – a bright, slightly charred vegetable side pairs well with the richness of the pork.
- Grilled zucchini and yellow squash – simple, seasonal vegetables that complement the main course.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use within 2–3 days for the best texture and flavor. While cooked pork can be frozen, the texture changes and I generally recommend refrigerating and eating within a few days.
Leftovers are versatile — they’re excellent cold in sandwiches or sliced over salads. To reheat, gently warm slices in a skillet with a splash of water, briefly in the oven covered with foil at low heat, or use short bursts in the microwave to avoid drying the meat. You can also refresh slices in an air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the edges.
Instant Pot Rice
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Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Tenderloin
This tender, spicy, and boldly flavored pork tenderloin gets its kick from a spicy Korean-style BBQ marinade. Fire up the pellet grill and enjoy a simple, impressive main that’s ready in under an hour (including marinating).
5 minutes
20 minutes
3 hours
3 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (or about 1.5–2 lb total)
- 1 jar spicy Korean-style BBQ sauce or marinade
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloins in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour in the marinade. Turn to coat evenly, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Preheat your pellet grill or other grill to 425–450°F.
- Place the tenderloins directly on the grill. Flip after about 5–7 minutes and continue to turn as needed until the internal temperature reads about 140°F. If you prefer a slightly firmer doneness, remove at 145°F. Allow for a few degrees of carryover cooking while resting.
- Tent the meat with foil and let it rest for 8–10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice across the grain, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve.
Recommended Products
If you like convenience, look for a spicy Korean-style BBQ sauce at your supermarket or specialty Asian market.
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Spicy Korean-style BBQ Sauce & Marinade -
Non-stick aluminum foil (optional for resting)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 125
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 33mg
Sodium: 208mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 12g
Nutrition data is an estimate and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
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