Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender pork shoulder that has been slow-braised in a fragrant herb and wine bath, allowing the flavors to deeply imbibe into the meat. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 170 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced onion 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Sear the pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, then simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, then add 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, and 1 bay leaf.
  7. Step 7: Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
  8. Step 8: Remove the pork and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid and discard the bay leaf and herbs. Skim off excess fat from the surface of the sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shoulder?

American one pot 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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