Braised Pork

 

Braised Pork Recipe: Fall-Apart Tender Comfort in Every Bite

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that practically melts in your mouth, braised pork is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, succulent, and deeply satisfying, this timeless cooking method transforms a tough cut of meat into something unforgettable.

Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this braised pork recipe delivers gourmet results with surprisingly simple steps.

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What Is Braising?

Braising is a classic cooking technique that involves searing meat at a high temperature, then simmering it slowly in liquid—often broth, wine, or a flavorful sauce. This method breaks down tough fibers and infuses the meat with rich, savory flavors.

When done right, braised pork is buttery tender, juicy, and infused with herbs, aromatics, and bold depth.

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Why You’ll Love This Braised Pork Recipe

• 🥩 Tender & Juicy: The pork becomes fork-tender without drying out.

• 🧄 Flavor-packed: The slow cook draws out every nuance of the sauce and seasonings.

• 🍷 Versatile: Works with various pork cuts (shoulder, belly, ribs) and pairs with many side dishes.

• 🍽️ Make-ahead friendly: Even better the next day—ideal for meal prep or dinner parties.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for classic braised pork:

For the Pork:

• 2–3 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), cut into large chunks or left whole

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth)

• 2 cups chicken or beef broth

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• 2 teaspoons rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami boost)

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Instructions

🔥 1. Sear the pork

Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides, working in batches if needed. Set aside.

🧅 2. Sauté the vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

🍷 3. Deglaze and add liquids

Pour in the wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, then stir in the broth, soy/Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

🍖 4. Return pork and braise

Add the pork back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid.

• Oven method: Place in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Stovetop method: Simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally.

The pork is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.

🧂 5. Finish and serve

Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes or mash a few vegetables into the broth.

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Serving Suggestions

Braised pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• Over mashed potatoes with a ladle of rich braising sauce

• With creamy polenta for a rustic Italian vibe

• On a sandwich bun with pickled onions or coleslaw

• Tossed with egg noodles or pasta

• Over rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl meal

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Tips & Variations

• 🐷 Pork cuts: Pork shoulder is ideal, but pork belly or country-style ribs also work beautifully.

• 🌶️ Add heat: Toss in a diced chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• 🌿 Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme just before serving.

• 🍅 Tomato twist: Add a can of crushed tomatoes for a richer, stew-like version.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

Braised pork tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Here's how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container

• Freeze: Up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat slowly for best results.

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Final Thoughts

Braised pork is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. With just a bit of prep and some patience, you'll be rewarded with a dish that's deeply comforting and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it for a Sunday dinner or prep it for easy weeknight meals, this recipe is a keeper.

Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to cook pork.