French Braised Pork Shoulder with Red Wine and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in red wine with aromatic thyme and garlic, perfect for a comforting dinner. This french-inspired pork ready in about 180 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch pieces pork shoulder, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 160 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs pork shoulder pieces with 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the pork pieces in batches, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer browned pork to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 smashed garlic cloves and 2 chopped carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return pork to the pot, add 1 cup chicken broth, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and transfer to a preheated 325°F oven. Braise for 2.5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork and vegetables to a platter. Strain the braising liquid into a saucepan and simmer until reduced by half. Stir in 2 tbsp butter until glossy, then pour sauce over the pork before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does French Braised Pork Shoulder with Red Wine and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 180 minutes (20 min prep + 160 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 French Braised Pork Shoulder with Red Wine and Thyme?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in French Braised Pork Shoulder with Red Wine and Thyme?

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 French Braised Pork Shoulder with Red Wine and Thyme 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 French Braised Pork Shoulder with Red Wine and Thyme?

French 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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