Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Soy

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

A rich and spicy braised pork dish simmered in a savory gochujang and soy sauce mixture, tender enough to fall apart. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, vegetable oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 70 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and sauce starts to thicken.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce has reduced.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 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 Soy?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Soy?

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 Soy 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 Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang and Soy?

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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