Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mango Salsa

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

Tender pork shoulder braised with warm spices, served with a sweet-tart mango salsa for vibrant contrast. This mexican ready in about 210 minutes blends trimmed pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced onion 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 190 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes total.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin and 1 tsp dried oregano, and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, then transfer the pot to the oven. Cover and cook for 3 hours until pork is very tender.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, prepare salsa: combine 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced, 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced, 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, and 1 lime, juiced. Season with salt to taste.
  6. Step 6: Remove pot from oven, let pork rest for 10 minutes, then shred with two forks. Stir shredded pork back into sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve pork topped with mango salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mango Salsa?

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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mango Salsa?

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 Mango Salsa 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 Mango Salsa?

Mexican mexican 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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