Spiced Korean-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Soy and Gochujang

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a savory soy and gochujang sauce infused with garlic and ginger, perfect over steamed rice. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 125 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 470 calories and feeds 4, 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: 110 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 470 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder chunks and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and caramelized on edges.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce further. Stir in 3 sliced scallions.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Korean-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Soy and Gochujang take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (15 min prep + 110 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-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Soy and Gochujang?

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-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Soy and Gochujang?

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-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Soy and Gochujang for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Soy and Gochujang?

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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