Savory Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder is a flavorful dish featuring tender pork shoulder braised in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, and spices.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 20 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Braising
Cuisine:Hawaiian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt and black pepper.
In batches, sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the pork and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Return the seared pork to the pot.
Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
Let it braise for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Stir occasionally and check for liquid levels, adding water if necessary.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding with two forks.
Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix well with the sauce.
Serve the braised pork over rice or in tortillas, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
Notes
For a sweeter flavor, add an additional 1/4 cup of pineapple juice.
To make it spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños during cooking.