Braised Southern-Style Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens

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

A hearty slow-braised pork shoulder infused with smoky spices paired with tender collard greens cooked in savory broth. This southern american-inspired pork ready in about 210 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, pressing the spices into the meat. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crusty.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 cups chicken broth into the pot around the pork, cover tightly with lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and tent with foil to rest. Add 1 lb chopped collard greens, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the braising liquid. Simmer gently on stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes until greens are tender and flavorful.
  4. Step 4: Shred pork shoulder with two forks and serve alongside the warm collard greens, spooning some braising liquid over both for extra moisture.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Southern-Style Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 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 Southern-Style Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens?

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 Southern-Style Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens?

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 Southern-Style Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens 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 Southern-Style Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens?

Southern American 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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