Savory Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful, this braised pork shoulder might just be your new favorite. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s been slowly cooked to perfection, absorbing all the rich flavors from spices and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and leaves everyone at the table wanting seconds.

This recipe is perfect for a weekend gathering or a cozy family dinner. The best part is, it requires minimal effort on your part. Just a few simple steps and some patience, and you’ll have a stunning dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please.

Overview of Braised Pork Shoulder

Braising pork shoulder transforms this humble cut of meat into a tender, flavor-packed delight. The long, slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb the aromatic spices and savory broth, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish serves as a centerpiece that draws everyone to the table. With minimal effort required, you can create an impressive meal that rivals any restaurant offering.

The Ingredients that Shine

The beauty of this braised pork shoulder lies not just in the cooking method but also in the quality and selection of ingredients. Using a well-trimmed pork shoulder ensures a juicy and flavorful outcome.

Complementing the pork are aromatic vegetables like onion and garlic, which form a savory base when sautéed. The addition of white wine contributes acidity, heightening the overall flavor profile, while soy sauce and brown sugar introduce a touch of sweetness.

Preparing the Pork for Perfect Results

To kick off your culinary endeavor, searing the pork is a crucial step. This process develops a deep, caramelized crust, adding complexity to the dish. Following this, the aromatic vegetables are sautéed, infusing the cooking pot with an irresistible fragrance.

Deglazing the pot with white wine captures the flavorful bits left behind from searing, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste. This step sets up a rich foundation for the braising liquid.

The Art of Braising

Braising is a technique that requires patience but rewards you with tender, succulent meat. Once all ingredients are combined in the pot, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer is essential.

Covering the pot and reducing the heat allows the pork to cook slowly, breaking down connective tissues and fat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The hours spent waiting are justified when you finally serve this mouthwatering dish.

Serving Suggestions

Upon finishing the braising process, the final presentation is where your creativity shines. Shredding the pork reveals its tender texture, and garnishing with fresh herbs adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich sauce, and steamed green beans, adding a vibrant contrast. The rustic wooden plate enhances the home-cooked feel, making the meal inviting and hearty.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. The flavors will continue to develop, making reheating just as delightful as the first serving.

When it’s time to enjoy it again, gently reheat the pork on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. This ensures that every bite tastes just as fresh and satisfying as when it was first served.

Mouthwatering Braised Pork Shoulder

This braised pork shoulder is succulent and tender, infused with a delightful mix of savory spices and aromatic vegetables. The meat is rich in flavor, falling apart with just a fork, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sear the Pork: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork chunks with salt and pepper, then sear them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
4. Add Other Ingredients: Return the pork to the pot. Add the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.
5. Braise the Pork: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it braise for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Serve: Shred the pork and serve it warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 5g