Spiced Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a savory-spicy Korean-inspired sauce, perfect served over steamed rice. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and sear 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks for 4-5 minutes per side until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 cup water; bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return pork shoulder chunks to the pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce heat to low. Braise for 2 to 2.5 hours, turning pork every 30 minutes, until pork is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Spiced Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 Spiced Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Spiced Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder?

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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