Korean-Inspired Spicy Braised Pork with Kimchi

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder braised in a spicy, savory sauce with kimchi and gochujang, delivering a rich and flavorful Korean comfort dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder pieces and sear for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tbsp brown sugar, coating the pork well.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  5. Step 5: Uncover and add 1.5 cups chopped kimchi, stirring to combine. Simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Inspired Spicy Braised Pork with Kimchi take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Braised Pork with Kimchi?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Spicy Braised Pork with Kimchi?

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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Braised Pork with Kimchi for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Braised Pork with Kimchi?

Korean pork 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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