Vinegar-Braised Pork with Sour Cherry Sauce
Succulent pork slow-braised in a tangy vinegar and sour cherry sauce, melding rich meat flavors with bright, tart fruit notes. This american-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes blends cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder, vegetable oil, large, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup dried sour cherries
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits, and cook for 2 minutes until the vinegar slightly reduces.
- Step 4: Return pork to the pot along with 1/2 cup dried sour cherries, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens and coats the meat beautifully.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vinegar-Braised Pork with Sour Cherry Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vinegar-Braised Pork with Sour Cherry Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vinegar-Braised Pork with Sour Cherry Sauce?
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 with Sour Cherry Sauce 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 with Sour Cherry Sauce?
American 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.
