Asian-Style Braised Pork Shoulder
Description
Discover a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that transforms a simple boneless pork shoulder into an exquisite Asian-inspired dish. With a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, this braised pork shoulder will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. Ideal for those who enjoy a hands-off cooking method with delicious results, this recipe combines the richness of slow-cooked pork with a flavorful sauce that’s perfect over a bed of white rice. The best part? It uses ingredients you likely have on hand, making it a convenient and satisfying option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 3 large shallots, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 – 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cooked white rice (for serving, optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by setting your oven to a cozy 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will ensure your pork shoulder becomes tender and succulent as it slowly cooks. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, white wine, ground ginger, five-spice powder, cayenne pepper, orange marmalade, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth. This mixture will serve as the flavorful braising liquid for your pork. -
Sear the Pork:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork shoulder chunks. Sear the pork on all sides until it develops a rich, golden-brown crust. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also enhances the texture of the finished dish. Once browned, transfer the pork to a plate and set aside. -
Sauté Shallots:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. The shallots will add a subtle sweetness and additional layers of flavor to the dish. -
Combine and Simmer:
Return the seared pork to the skillet with the shallots. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork. Stir to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. -
Braise in the Oven:
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the pork braise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The low and slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the meat to become incredibly tender, falling apart with the touch of a fork. -
Serve:
Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the oven. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the succulent pork over a bed of white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1237.8
- Fat: 82.4g
- Saturated Fat: 25.5g
- Cholesterol: 268.7mg
- Sodium: 1992mg
- Carbohydrates: 49.9g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 29.8g
- Protein: 69.5g
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting meal, this Asian-Style Braised Pork Shoulder is sure to satisfy and impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this delicious dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. 🍚🥘