Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder braised slowly in a spicy, savory Korean-inspired sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and gochujang for deep umami flavor. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 145 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 130 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork pieces in batches, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tbsp brown sugar, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and darkens.
  5. Step 5: Return pork to the pot, add 1 cup water, and bring to a simmer. Cover and braise over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is fork-tender and sauce is rich.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or leafy greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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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