Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Sofrito

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

Tender pork shoulder slow braised in a vibrant Dominican sofrito sauce, perfect for serving with rice or plantains. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, medium, diced onion 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: 20 min Cook: 150 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 cubes. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add pork cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion, 1 diced medium green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and aromas develop.
  5. Step 5: Return browned pork to the pot. Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 bay leaf. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until pork is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and serve warm with white rice or fried plantains.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Dominican-Style Slow Braised Pork with Sofrito take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Sofrito?

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 Sofrito?

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 Sofrito 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 Sofrito?

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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