Southern-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens
Tender, slow-braised pork shoulder infused with smoky spices, served alongside garlicky collard greens for a hearty Southern meal. This southern-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, smoked paprika, garlic powder 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 lb collard greens, tough stems removed and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks and brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes, then transfer pork to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Return pork to the pot and pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, cover partially, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2.5-3 hours until pork is fork-tender.
- Step 5: While the pork braises, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until wilted and tender. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 7: Serve the braised pork shoulder alongside the garlicky collard greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Southern-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens 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 Southern-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens?
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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens?
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 Southern-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens 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 Southern-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Collard Greens?
Southern 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.
