Craving Comfort? Here’s How to Make Braised Pork Shoulder So Good You’ll Lick the Plate
Braised pork shoulder is a classic dish that is both flavorful and tender. It is perfect for a special occasion or a casual family meal. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to make braised pork shoulder, from choosing the right cut of meat to cooking it to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 pound) pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides.
5. Remove the pork shoulder from the Dutch oven and set aside.
6. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven and cook until softened.
7. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
8. Stir in the chicken broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Return the pork shoulder to the Dutch oven and nestle it in the vegetables.
11. Cover the Dutch oven and braise in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls off the bone.
12. Remove the pork shoulder from the Dutch oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a dark red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- You can also add other vegetables to the Dutch oven, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a large roasting pan with a lid.
- Be sure to cook the pork shoulder until it is tender and falls off the bone. This will ensure that it is moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Braised pork shoulder can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice. It can also be used to make sandwiches or tacos.
Variations
There are many different ways to make braised pork shoulder. Here are a few variations:
- Slow Cooker Braised Pork Shoulder: This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Instant Pot Braised Pork Shoulder: This is another quick and easy way to make braised pork shoulder. Simply combine all of the ingredients in an Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 1 hour.
- Beer Braised Pork Shoulder: This variation uses beer instead of red wine. It gives the pork shoulder a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder: This variation uses apple cider instead of red wine. It gives the pork shoulder a slightly tart flavor.
Common Questions and Answers
- What is the best cut of meat for braising pork shoulder?
The best cut of meat for braising pork shoulder is a bone-in pork shoulder. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which will help to keep the pork moist and flavorful during the braising process.
- How long does it take to braise pork shoulder?
The cooking time for braised pork shoulder will vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the cooking method used. However, as a general rule, you should plan on cooking the pork shoulder for 3-4 hours in the oven or 8-10 hours in a slow cooker.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with braised pork shoulder?
Braised pork shoulder can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice. It can also be used to make sandwiches or tacos.