Lemon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sour Cherry Sauce

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised with fresh lemons and served with a vibrant sour cherry sauce that balances richness with bright acidity. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes blends cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with salt and black pepper, then brown in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Transfer browned pork to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp lemon zest, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot along with 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup pitted fresh sour cherries, and 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork pieces with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Bring braising liquid to a simmer and mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry. Whisk into the sauce and cook for 3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Pour sour cherry sauce over pork and serve with roasted vegetables or creamy polenta for a bright, hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sour Cherry Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sour Cherry Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sour Cherry Sauce?

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 Lemon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sour Cherry Sauce 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 Lemon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sour Cherry Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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