Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a maple and apple cider broth with hearty root vegetables for a comforting regional main course. This american-inspired pork ready in about 155 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, maple syrup, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 135 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork pieces in batches for 4 minutes per side until golden; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot and pour in 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 cups apple cider, and 1 cup water. Add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 hours.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 large chopped carrots and 2 medium chopped parsnips, stir gently, cover, and continue braising for another 45 minutes until pork is tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove rosemary sprigs, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm with the braising liquid spooned over the pork and vegetables.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 155 minutes (20 min prep + 135 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 Maple-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 maple syrup from drying out.

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

American 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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