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Pork Shoulder with Treviso Radicchio and Balsamic Vinegar

"The best thing about serving a braise," says chef Cruz Goler, "is that timing isn't critical, making this a great party dish." French in technique but Italian in spirit, the recipe calls for pleasantly bitter Treviso radicchio to act as a foil to the rich pork. Be sure to let the pork cool in its liquid so that the braised meat can continue to soak up the sauce.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

Pork:

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 3 1/2-3 3/4-pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed, cut into
1 1/2"-2" cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cups sliced onions (about 2 large onions)
1 1/2 cups fruity white wine (such as Pinot Gris or Chenin Blanc)
2 cups low-salt chicken broth

Radicchio and salad:

4 tablespoons (plus more) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
2 heads of Treviso radicchio, each cut into 6 wedges with some core attached
2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups (lightly packed) arugula
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preparation

  1. For pork:

    Step 1

    Mix first 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Add pork and toss to coat. Cover and chill, tossing occasionally, at least 8 hours or overnight.

    Step 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown pork on all sides, lowering heat if meat begins to scorch, about 5 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer pork to a medium bowl. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and onions to pot; sauté until slightly softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine; cook, scraping up browned bits, until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add broth; return pork to pot.

    Step 3

    Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender, about 2 hours. Reserve 3/4 cup braising liquid for radicchio. Set pork in remaining liquid aside. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill pork and reserved 3/4 cup braising liquid separately (uncovered) until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before serving.

  2. For radicchio and salad:

    Step 4

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add radicchio and sauté on each cut side, adding more oil to pan between batches if needed, until browned, 2-3 minutes per side; transfer radicchio to a plate. Place all cooked radicchio back in skillet and add reserved pork-braising liquid. Cover and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar; bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until juices have thickened, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 5

    Toss arugula, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 6

    Divide pork with juices among plates. Arrange radicchio alongside. Divide arugula salad among plates. Drizzle radicchio with oil and a small amount of vinegar.

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