Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Kimchi

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

Tender pork slowly braised in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with tangy kimchi, creating a rich and warming Korean-inspired main dish. This korean-inspired pork (gluten free option) ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, 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 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: 75 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb pork shoulder cubes, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Stir well to coat the pork evenly.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 cup water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until the pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup chopped kimchi and 1 tsp sesame oil, cooking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or with lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Kimchi take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 with Gochujang and Kimchi?

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 Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Kimchi?

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 with Gochujang and Kimchi 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.

Is Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Kimchi gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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