Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pulled Pork with Spicy Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with Korean spices and a rich, spicy gochujang sauce perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 315 minutes blends pork shoulder, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 300 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mince 5 garlic cloves and grate 1 tbsp fresh ginger root. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the gochujang sauce mixture over the pork, turning to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with two forks.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred using forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve topped with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy over steamed rice, in sandwiches, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pulled Pork with Spicy Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pulled Pork with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Korean-Style Pulled Pork with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?

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 Pulled Pork with Spicy Gochujang Sauce 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 Korean-Style Pulled Pork with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?

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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