Citrus-Braised Pork Recipe

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Citrus-Braised Pork uses Dutch oven techniques to make amazing citrus-braised pulled pork indoors through easy and foolproof methods with flavorful recipe results. This reliable recipe produces tender, flavorful pork through proper braising technique while incorporating bright citrus flavors for complex taste development. The foolproof nature ensures consistent success.

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Using a Dutch oven to make this amazing citrus-braised pulled pork indoors is easy and foolproof with this flavorful recipe. Use in sandwiches or make into chilaquiles.

Prep Time:
35 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs
Additional Time:
4 hrs 20 mins
Total Time:
8 hrs 55 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

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1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 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

  1. Combine orange juice, onion, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, salt, oregano, cumin, lime zest, black 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.

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

  3. Cook in the preheated oven until heated through, about 1 ½ hours. Flip pork carefully. Replace foil; cook 1 hour more. Remove foil. Continue cooking, uncovered, flipping once halfway through, until pork falls apart and marinade is reduced, 1 ½ to 2 hours more.

  4. Remove pork from Dutch oven; rest for 20 minutes. Return pork to Dutch oven; shred using 2 forks. Stir shredded pork with reduced marinade. Discard bay leaves.

Cook’s Notes:

Use 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder if preferred. For a shoulder of this size, the total cooking time is usually 4 to 5 hours, or 1 to 1 ½ hours per pound.

The pork can be fully prepared (marinated and braised) 1 to 2 days ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. The flavor improves over time.

This is delicious made into Pulled Pork Chilaquiles .

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

298 Calories
22g Fat
11g Carbs
14g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 298
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g28%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 52mg17%
Sodium 763mg33%
Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
Dietary Fiber 1g3%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 14g29%
Vitamin C 27mg30%
Calcium 43mg3%
Iron 2mg9%
Potassium 346mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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