Slow Cooker Portuguese-Style Pork with Orange and Bay Leaves

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

Tender slow-cooked pork infused with bright citrus and aromatic bay leaves for a comforting, flavorful dish inspired by Braga, Portugal. This portuguese-inspired pork ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, orange juice, fresh, orange zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Portuguese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced medium onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the slow cooker with the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, shred the pork with two forks, and stir well to combine with the cooking juices before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Portuguese-Style Pork with Orange and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Cooker Portuguese-Style Pork with Orange and Bay Leaves?

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 orange juice, fresh from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Portuguese-Style Pork with Orange and Bay Leaves?

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 Cooker Portuguese-Style Pork with Orange and Bay Leaves 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 Cooker Portuguese-Style Pork with Orange and Bay Leaves?

Portuguese 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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