Low-Temperature Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in aromatic broth with carrots and parsnips, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. This french-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, large, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on edges.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and set aside. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot; sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups chicken broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return pork shoulder to pot along with 3 medium peeled carrots and 2 medium peeled parsnips cut into 2-inch chunks, submerging partially in broth.
  6. Step 6: Cover Dutch oven tightly and transfer to oven. Braise for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven, discard thyme and bay leaves, and let pork rest in the broth for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Temperature Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Low-Temperature 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Temperature 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 Low-Temperature Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables 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 Low-Temperature Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

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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