Ep 13. Braised Pork Shoulder

As a successful chef and restaurateur, Anne Burrell knows the ins and outs of creating delicious, flavorful dishes that keep customers coming back for more. In this episode of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Burrell shares her techniques for preparing braised pork shoulder – a dish that's sure to please even the most discerning diners.

Throughout this episode, Burrell emphasizes the importance of choosing the right cut of pork for this particular recipe. She explains that pork shoulder is an excellent choice because it has a good balance of fat and meat, which makes it ideal for a long, slow braise. This helps to ensure that the meat is both tender and flavorful.

To get started, Burrell begins by seasoning the pork shoulder with salt and pepper before searing it on all sides in a hot pan. This helps to lock in the meat's natural juices and creates a crispy crust that adds texture to the finished dish.

Once the pork shoulder is seared, Burrell adds onions, celery, and carrots to the pan, along with garlic and bay leaves. This combination of aromatics infuses the pork with rich, savory flavors that are enhanced by the slow cooking process.

To braise the pork shoulder, Burrell adds chicken stock to the pan and covers it with a tight-fitting lid. She then places the pan in the oven and lets it cook at a low temperature for several hours. While the pork shoulder is cooking, Burrell shares her tips for creating a flavorful sauce to serve with the dish.

Burrell explains that, to create the sauce, she begins by removing the pork shoulder from the pan and setting it aside to rest. She then strains the remaining liquid into a separate pan, being sure to remove any excess fat. From there, she reduces the liquid over high heat until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency.

To finish the dish, Burrell slices the pork shoulder into thick pieces and serves it with the thickened sauce on the side. She suggests pairing the dish with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to create a complete meal.

Throughout the episode, Burrell offers plenty of tips and tricks for creating a restaurant-quality braised pork shoulder that's sure to impress even the most discerning diners. From choosing the right cut of pork to creating a flavorful sauce, this episode is packed with valuable insights and expert advice that any home cook can use to up their culinary game.

Overall, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef season 7 episode 13 is a must-watch for anyone who loves to cook and wants to learn the secrets behind creating delicious, restaurant-quality dishes at home. With her engaging personality and expert skills, Anne Burrell makes cooking look easy and approachable, even for the most novice of home chefs. So grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take some notes – this episode is one you won't want to miss.