Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze

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

Tender pork shoulder cooked low and slow with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, perfect for an easy Korean-inspired meal. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder into the slow cooker and pour the gochujang glaze evenly over the top, turning the meat to coat thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, then return to the sauce and stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve garnished with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze?

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 Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze?

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 Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Korean-Style Pork Shoulder with Gochujang Glaze?

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.

Related recipes