Skip to main content

Sweet Pickle Braised Pork Shoulder

This can be cooked in a slow cooker, in a Dutch oven on top of the stove, or in a roasting pan in a 375°F. oven. Pick the way that suits you. Any way you cook it, you will find that the sweet pickle relish and barbecue sauce flavor the meat through and through.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1 (4 1/2-pound) boneless pork picnic shoulder
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oven to 375°F.

    Step 2

    Pat the pork dry with paper towels and sprinkle it all over with the salt. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the pork and brown it on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Add the relish, barbecue sauce, and 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot, then transfer to the oven. Braise the pork, turning it over once, until the center is tender but not falling apart when pierced with a paring knife, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

    Step 3

    Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil.

    Step 4

    Strain the braising liquid through a sieve into a bowl and discard the solids. Skim off any fat that collects on the surface and cover the bowl to keep the liquid warm.

    Step 5

    Cut the meat across the grain into 6 slices (each slice may break into 2 or 3 smaller pieces, depending on the part of the shoulder you have; discard any kitchen string if necessary). Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, then sear the pork slices in 2 batches, turning over once, until browned, about 3 minutes per batch.

    Step 6

    Transfer the pork to plates and spoon some braising liquid over the top. Pass the remaining braising liquid at the table.

A Southerly Course
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.