Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus and Garlic

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a vibrant blend of Dominican citrus juices, garlic, and spices, perfect for a comforting main dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes pairs pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 180 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs pork shoulder and cut into 2-inch chunks. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add the pork chunks and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the pork and marinade to a heavy oven-safe pot, add 2 bay leaves, and cover with a lid. Bake for 3 hours, turning the pork halfway through, until the meat is tender and easy to shred.
  3. Step 3: Remove the pork from the oven and discard the bay leaves. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for a bright finish. Serve warm with rice or beans to soak up the citrusy sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 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 Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus and Garlic 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 Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

Caribbean 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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