Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Juniper and Honey

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a bright citrus and honey glaze with aromatic juniper berries for a balanced sweet and tart finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 200 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 180 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 2 lbs pork shoulder and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork shoulder on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork, reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp crushed juniper berries to the pot; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, and 1 cup water, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return pork shoulder to the pot, add 2 sprigs fresh thyme, cover with lid, and braise in oven for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork and tent with foil. Reduce braising liquid over medium heat on stovetop for 5-7 minutes until syrupy, then serve drizzled over pork.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Juniper and Honey take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Juniper and Honey?

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 Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Juniper and Honey?

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 Juniper and Honey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Citrus-Braised Pork Shoulder with Juniper and Honey?

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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