Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a rich smoky tomato sauce infused with garlic and smoked paprika, perfect for a comforting dinner. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp smoked paprika, then brown the pork in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, then stir in 1 tsp dried oregano.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork shoulder chunks to the pot, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 2 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

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 Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato 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 Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato 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 Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato 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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