Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 blends cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, olive oil, smoked paprika 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 420 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: 120 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Savory Braised Pork Shoulder with Smoky Tomato 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 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes