Hawaiian-Style Pork and Watercress Kimchi Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and tangy stew blending tender pork, spicy kimchi, and fresh watercress, simmered to meld rich island flavors. This hawaiian-inspired soups ready in about 75 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, chopped kimchi, washed and trimmed fresh watercress for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Hawaiian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes and sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup chopped kimchi and 1 tsp sugar, sautéing for 2 minutes to release the kimchi’s tangy aroma.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 3 tbsp soy sauce, bringing the stew to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until the pork is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups fresh watercress and 2 sliced green onions, cooking for 5 minutes more until the watercress wilts.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt, white pepper, and optionally 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice or on its own.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hawaiian-Style Pork and Watercress Kimchi Stew take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hawaiian-Style Pork and Watercress Kimchi Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped kimchi from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hawaiian-Style Pork and Watercress Kimchi Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hawaiian-Style Pork and Watercress Kimchi Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hawaiian-Style Pork and Watercress Kimchi Stew?

Hawaiian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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