Slow-Braised Soy and Ginger Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a savory soy and ginger broth, infused with aromatic spices for deep flavor. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes pairs pork shoulder, soy sauce, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2-inch chunks and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return pork shoulder to the pot and add 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 whole star anise, 3 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the pork braise gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove star anise and scallions before serving. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Soy and Ginger Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 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 Soy and Ginger Pork Shoulder?

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 Soy and Ginger Pork Shoulder?

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 Soy and Ginger Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Soy and Ginger Pork Shoulder?

Chinese 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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