Savory Asian-Style Braised Pork Shoulder with Apricot Glaze
This delectable Savory Asian-Style Braised Pork Shoulder is a culinary delight that boasts tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with a rich, flavorful sauce. A perfect way to use boneless pork shoulder, this recipe combines the sweetness of apricot and orange marmalade with the umami depth of soy sauce and hoisin, creating a stunning balance of flavors. The addition of shallots and garlic enhances the aroma, making your kitchen smell amazing as it braises. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal that your family will crave. Enjoy it served over fluffy white rice for a comforting, satisfying dinner that feeds 3-4 hungry appetites.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
boneless pork shoulder
2.5-3 lbs (trimmed and cut into almost bite-size cubes)
shallots
3 bulbs (sliced)
garlic
6 cloves (minced)
low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup (none)
white wine
1/4 cup (none)
fresh ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (grated or minced)
five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (none)
apricot preserves
1/4 cup (none)
orange marmalade
1/4 cup (none)
hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (none)
cooked white rice
as desired (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, white wine, fresh grated ginger, five-spice powder, cayenne pepper, apricot preserves, orange marmalade, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth. Set this mixture aside for later.
3
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed pork shoulder to the pan in a single layer. Sear the pork until it's nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set it on a plate.
4
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the sliced shallots. Sauté the shallots for about 2 minutes, or until they're softened and slightly translucent.
5
Return the seared pork to the skillet with the shallots. Stir in the sauce mixture until everything is well coated.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7
Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving, then serve the braised pork over a bed of cooked white rice if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this Asian-style braised dish?
The recipe uses 2.5 to 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into bite-size cubes.
What is the recommended oven temperature for braising?
The oven should be preheated to 275°F (135°C) for a slow and steady braise.
How long should the pork cook in the oven?
The pork should bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
What ingredients are used to create the sweet glaze?
The sweetness comes from a combination of 1/4 cup of apricot preserves and 1/4 cup of orange marmalade.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to feed 3 to 4 people.
What should this dish be served with?
It is recommended to serve the braised pork over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice.
What type of soy sauce is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce to manage the salt content.
What aromatics are included in the sauce?
The aromatics include 3 sliced shallot bulbs, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 1.5 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger.
Does the recipe include any spice or heat?
Yes, it contains five-spice powder and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
What kind of cooking vessel should be used?
A large oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven is required for both searing on the stovetop and baking in the oven.
How much total oil is required?
A total of 3 tablespoons of oil is used, divided between searing the pork and sautéing the shallots.
Is there any alcohol in the braising liquid?
Yes, the sauce includes 1/4 cup of white wine.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
How long should you sear the pork shoulder?
The cubed pork should be seared on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until nicely browned.
How are the shallots prepared?
The 3 bulbs of shallots should be sliced and then sautéed for about 2 minutes until softened.
What savory condiments are added to the sauce?
The sauce includes 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
Do you need to let the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, the recipe suggests letting it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Should the skillet be covered while in the oven?
Yes, the skillet or Dutch oven should be covered tightly before being transferred to the oven.
Can I use fresh ginger or ground ginger?
The recipe calls for fresh ginger that is either grated or minced for the best flavor.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
The pork is described as tender and melt-in-your-mouth, easily pulling apart with a fork.
How is the sauce mixture prepared?
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic, soy sauce, wine, ginger, spices, preserves, marmalade, hoisin, and broth.
What makes the kitchen smell amazing according to the description?
The addition of shallots and garlic enhances the aroma as the dish braises.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 14 ingredients listed in total for this recipe.
Is the sauce brought to a boil on the stove?
It should be brought to a gentle simmer before being transferred to the oven.
What are the suggested tags for this dish?
Tags include braised pork, pork shoulder, asian cuisine, slow cooked, and comfort food.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe requires 6 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of pork cut is used?
Boneless pork shoulder is the specific cut used for this braise.
How do you prepare the pork for cooking?
Trim any excess fat and cut the shoulder into almost bite-size cubes.
Is this a complex recipe to follow?
No, the recipe is described as easy to prepare, transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
How much chicken broth is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chicken broth.