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Citrus-Braised Pork

Citrus-braised pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy and bright flavors of citrus with the rich and tender texture of braised pork. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and the citrus adds a refreshing and zesty element to the pork. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and juicy, while also absorbing the vibrant citrus flavors.

Prep Time:

35 mins

Cook Time:

4 hrs

Additional Time:

4 hrs 20 mins

Total Time:

8 hrs 55 mins

Servings:

Yield:

12 servings

Ingredients

2 cups orange juice

1 yellow onion, sliced

½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

10 cloves garlic, smashed

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons freshly grated lime zest

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 dried bay leaves

3 ½ pounds bone-in pork shoulder roast

Directions

Step 1

Mix orange juice, onion, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, salt, oregano, cumin, lime zest, pepper, and bay leaves in a heavy Dutch oven. Add pork shoulder; turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator, 4 hours to overnight.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Remove Dutch oven from the refrigerator and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 3

Bake pork in the preheated oven until heated through, about 1 1/2 hours. Flip pork carefully. Replace foil and bake for 1 hour more. Remove aluminum foil. Continue baking uncovered, turning once halfway through, until pork falls apart and marinade is reduced, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Step 4

Remove pork from oven and let rest for 20 minutes. Shred pork in the Dutch oven using 2 forks; mix shredded pork with the reduced marinade. Discard bay leaves.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

298

Calories

22g

Fat

11g

Carbs

14g

Protein

Complement

One of the key ingredients in citrus-braised pork is the citrus fruit itself, which can include oranges, lemons, limes, or a combination of all three. The citrus juice and zest infuse the pork with a burst of fresh and tangy flavor, while the natural sweetness of the fruit balances out the richness of the pork. The addition of aromatic herbs and spices, such as thyme, garlic, and cumin, further enhances the depth of flavor in this dish. Whether served as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables or shredded and used in tacos or sandwiches, citrus-braised pork is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to impress.