braised pork cheeks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
braised pork cheeks recipe
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The Best braised pork cheeks recipe

I’ve been making braised pork cheeks for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is rich and hearty, with the pork cheeks tender and falling apart after hours of slow cooking.

It’s a perfect recipe for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner. My kids love it when I serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and my husband requests it whenever he’s in the mood for something comforting.

As for me, I love how the slow cooker makes cooking a breeze, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. I’ve tried many variations of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my favorite.

It’s also relatively healthy considering how rich it tastes – the pork cheeks are loaded with protein and the vegetables add fiber and vitamins.

Braised Pork Cheeks

Braised Pork Cheeks

4.5 from 1434 votes

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork cheeks slowly braised in a rich, savory sauce with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This comforting dish transforms an underrated cut into a luxurious meal perfect for a special dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork Cheeks

2 pounds pork cheeks, trimmed of excess fat
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Braising Liquid

1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the pork cheeks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the pork cheeks in batches, without crowding the pot, for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
4Transfer the browned cheeks to a plate and set aside.
5Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden.
7Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
9Return the pork cheeks to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
10Add the beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, ensuring the liquid covers the cheeks by about three-quarters.
11Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it braise for 2 to 2.
5 hours.
12The cheeks are done when they are fork-tender and easily pull apart.
13Remove the pork cheeks to a plate and tent with foil.
14Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, discarding the solids, and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
15Return the pork cheeks to the sauce and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
16Serve the cheeks with the sauce spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Tongs
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For best results, ask your butcher to trim the pork cheeks. The dish can be made a day ahead and reheated gently, as the flavors deepen overnight.

Watch Video Of How Braised Pork Cheeks Works

This braised pork cheeks recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner.

The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, so feel free to make extra if you think your family will enjoy seconds.

Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Braised Pork Cheeks

Q: What is braised pork cheeks?

Braised pork cheeks is a dish where pork cheeks are cooked low and slow in liquid until they’re tender and flavorful.

Q: What’s the difference between braised pork cheeks and regular pork chops?

The main difference is that braised pork cheeks are cooked low and slow, which makes them incredibly tender and full of flavor.

Q: Can I use other cuts of meat instead of pork cheeks?

No, you can’t use other cuts of meat like regular pork chops or beef brisket because they won’t hold up to the long cooking time.

Q: How long do I need to cook the pork cheeks?

You’ll need to cook them for at least 2-3 hours on low heat or 1-2 hours on high heat.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

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