Braised Pork Shoulder with Ginger and Star Anise

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

Slow-braised pork shoulder infused with warm ginger and star anise, creating a deeply aromatic and tender dish perfect for a comforting dinner. This chinese-inspired slow cooker ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork shoulder chunks, fresh ginger, star anise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 5, 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 5 Chinese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2-inch sliced ginger and 3 whole star anise pods to the pot. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 3 cups water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, garnish with 3 chopped scallions, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Pork Shoulder with Ginger and Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Pork Shoulder with Ginger and Star Anise?

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 chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Pork Shoulder with Ginger and Star Anise?

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 Pork Shoulder with Ginger and Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Pork Shoulder with Ginger and Star Anise?

Chinese slow cooker 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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