Tomato and Chili Pepper Braised Pork Shoulder

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a rich tomato and chili pepper sauce for a comforting and robust main dish. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 130 minutes pairs pork shoulder, large ripe tomatoes, medium red chili peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 110 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 2 lbs pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 6 garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Core and dice 4 large ripe tomatoes into 1-inch pieces and thinly slice 3 medium red chili peppers, removing seeds if less heat is preferred.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the pork pieces in batches, browning all sides for about 6-8 minutes per batch; remove browned pork and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced chili peppers to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and form a sauce.
  7. Step 7: Return the browned pork to the pot, pour in 1 cup chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low; braise gently for 1 hour 30 minutes until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving with rice or crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato and Chili Pepper Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Tomato and Chili Pepper Braised 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 Tomato and Chili Pepper Braised 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 Tomato and Chili Pepper Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Tomato and Chili Pepper Braised Pork Shoulder?

Mediterranean 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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