Half-Pint Stout-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables

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

Tender pork shoulder braised slowly in rich stout beer with earthy root vegetables for a hearty meal. This irish-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs vegetable oil, medium onion, diced, medium carrots, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 120 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1 diced medium onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Cook for 6 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 8 fluid ounces of stout beer (half pint) and 2 cups beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork to the pot and add 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 hours until pork is very tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving with the braising liquid spooned over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Pint Stout-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Half-Pint Stout-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Pint Stout-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

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 Half-Pint Stout-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables 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 Half-Pint Stout-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

Irish 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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