Spicy Korean-Style Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi

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

A bold, spicy stew blending tender pork, soft tofu, and tangy kimchi, simmered in a rich gochujang broth for a warming Korean meal. This korean ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, kimchi, soft tofu for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz thinly sliced pork shoulder and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp gochujang, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and the pork is evenly coated with the chili paste.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped kimchi, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup water. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Cut 14 oz soft tofu into 1-inch cubes and gently fold into the stew. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until tofu is heated through.
  5. Step 5: Season stew with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Soft Tofu Stew with Pork 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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Soft Tofu Stew with Pork 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 Soft Tofu Stew with Pork 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean-Style Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi?

Korean korean 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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