Portuguese-Inspired Braised Pork with White Wine and Bay Leaves

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

Slow-braised pork shoulder simmered in white wine with aromatic bay leaves, capturing the rustic flavors of Braga, Portugal. This portuguese-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Portuguese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot, add 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup chicken broth.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Discard bay leaves before serving with crusty bread or rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Portuguese-Inspired Braised Pork with White Wine and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 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 Portuguese-Inspired Braised Pork with White Wine and Bay Leaves?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Portuguese-Inspired Braised Pork with White Wine and Bay Leaves?

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 Portuguese-Inspired Braised Pork with White Wine and Bay Leaves 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 Portuguese-Inspired Braised Pork with White Wine and Bay Leaves?

Portuguese 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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