Slow-Braised Quebec Pork Shoulder with Maple and Mustard

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

A tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a rich maple syrup and Dijon mustard sauce, inspired by Quebec’s love for local maple products. This french-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, maple syrup, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown on all sides for about 4 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup maple syrup, 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, cooking for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to the pot and add 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven.
  5. Step 5: Braise the pork for 3 hours, basting every hour with the sauce, until meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and spoon the sauce over before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Quebec Pork Shoulder with Maple and Mustard 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 Quebec Pork Shoulder with Maple and Mustard?

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 Quebec Pork Shoulder with Maple and Mustard?

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 Quebec Pork Shoulder with Maple and Mustard 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 Quebec Pork Shoulder with Maple and Mustard?

French 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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