Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang Sauce

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

Succulent pork shoulder braised slowly in a spicy, savory gochujang sauce, infused with garlic and ginger for a rich Korean-inspired flavor. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 160 minutes blends cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and let marinate at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer pork and marinade to a large pot, add 1 cup water, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and braise gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 160 minutes (40 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork with Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

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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