Super Easy Braised Pork with Red Chile Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 poundsBoneless pork shoulder (butt)
• 1 tablespoonOlive oil
• 1 medium, choppedYellow onion
• 4 cloves, mincedGarlic
• 14.5 ounce canCanned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoonsChipotle in adobo sauce
• 2 cupsChicken broth
• 1 teaspoonDried oregano
• 1 teaspoonGround cumin
• 1 teaspoon, or to tasteSalt
• 0.5 teaspoon, or to tasteBlack pepper
• 1 tablespoonRed wine vinegar

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and cut into roughly 1.5-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

   ⏱ 5 min
2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and sear until deeply browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove pork and set aside.

   ⏱ 15 min
3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

   ⏱ 7 min
4. 4

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

   ⏱ 1 min
5. 5

   Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chipotle in adobo sauce, chicken broth, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

   ⏱ 5 min
6. 6

   Return the seared pork cubes and any accumulated juices to the pot. Ensure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid.

   ⏱ 2 min
7. 7

   Reduce heat to low and simmer gently on the stovetop for 2.5 to 3 hours, or alternatively, braise in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for the same duration, until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.

   ⏱ 150 min
8. 8

   Carefully remove the pork from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the pot with the sauce.

   ⏱ 5 min
9. 9

   Stir in the red wine vinegar. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

   ⏱ 2 min