Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables
Tender pork shoulder slow-braised with a medley of root vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, carrots, parsnips 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks parsnips
- 1 large, sliced into rings yellow onion
- 4, smashed garlic cloves
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder all over with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, until deeply browned.
- Step 3: Remove the pork and add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 3 peeled and chunked carrots, and 2 peeled and chunked parsnips to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion is translucent.
- Step 4: Return the pork to the pot on top of the vegetables. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 6: Remove the pork and vegetables to a serving dish. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Spoon some of the braising liquid over the pork before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-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 Slow-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 Slow-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 Slow-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 Slow-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.
