Braised Demon-Inspired Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Glaze

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

A tender, slow-braised pork shoulder infused with a bright and spicy citrus glaze, blending savory and tart flavors for a rich, comforting dish. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 210 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear in the pot for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp red chili flakes; bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to the pot, add 1 cup water, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise gently for 3 hours, turning the pork every 45 minutes, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork and let rest 10 minutes; meanwhile, increase heat and reduce braising liquid until thick and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Slice or shred pork, drizzle with the spiced citrus glaze, and garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Demon-Inspired Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Braised Demon-Inspired Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Glaze?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Demon-Inspired Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Glaze?

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 Braised Demon-Inspired Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Braised Demon-Inspired Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Glaze?

Asian 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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