Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Orange

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a bright orange and aromatic fennel broth, perfect for a comforting Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 135 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, sea salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 120 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 pounds of pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Working in batches, sear the pork pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb and 1 diced yellow onion to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup fresh orange juice and 1 cup unsalted chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Return the pork to the pot along with 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  7. Step 7: Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 2 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  8. Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs, adjust seasoning, and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Orange 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 Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Orange?

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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Orange?

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 Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Orange 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.

Is Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Orange whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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