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
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Ingredients

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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.

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.

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