Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Aperol and Fennel

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

Tender pork shoulder braised with Aperol's bright citrus notes and fennel, creating a savory-sweet glaze that complements roasted root vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, Aperol, fennel bulb for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2.2 lb pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried thyme, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop 1 fennel bulb and 1 yellow onion, then add to the pot with 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Return pork shoulder to the pot, add 1/4 cup Aperol and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender, turning once halfway through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Aperol and Fennel 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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Aperol and Fennel?

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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Aperol and Fennel?

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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Aperol and Fennel 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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Aperol and Fennel?

Mediterranean one pot 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