Brewmaster's Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder

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

Fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder simmered in a rich beer reduction, infused with garlic and thyme, a perfect match for the Finger Lakes brewing culture. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork shoulder cubes in a single layer, avoiding crowding, and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups craft beer, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
  4. Step 4: Braise for 6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender, checking occasionally and adding a splash of broth if the liquid evaporates too much.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brewmaster's Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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 Brewmaster's Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brewmaster's Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 Brewmaster's Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Brewmaster's Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder?

American 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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