Vinegar-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard Greens

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

Slow-braised pork shoulder infused with sharp vinegar and aromatic spices, served over tender mustard greens for a savory, sour-forward dish. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 150 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 130 min Serves 6 Asian Fusion cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes until edges are caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 smashed garlic cloves, 1 inch sliced fresh ginger, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds to the pot. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 cups chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Season with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise gently for 2 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 lb chopped mustard greens, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until greens are wilted but still vibrant. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vinegar-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Vinegar-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard 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 apple cider vinegar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vinegar-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard 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 Vinegar-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard 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 Vinegar-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard Greens?

Asian Fusion 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.

Related recipes