Slow Cooker Kimchi Pork and Tofu Stew

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

A comforting Korean-inspired stew with tender pork, tangy kimchi, and silken tofu, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This korean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 410 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, chopped kimchi, water or vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 390 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs pork shoulder cubes, 1 thinly sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 cups chopped napa cabbage in a slow cooker, then add 4 cups water or vegetable broth, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar; stir to combine.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until pork is tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped kimchi and 14 oz cubed silken tofu, then continue cooking on low for 30 minutes until flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Kimchi Pork and Tofu Stew take to make?

Total time is about 410 minutes (20 min prep + 390 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 Slow Cooker Kimchi Pork and Tofu 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 Slow Cooker Kimchi Pork and Tofu 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 Slow Cooker Kimchi Pork and Tofu Stew 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 Slow Cooker Kimchi Pork and Tofu Stew?

Korean slow cooker 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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