Ukrainian-Style Braised Pork with Vegetables

Name: Ukrainian-Style Braised Pork with Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 110 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 kg boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4-cm pieces; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 2 whole large onions, sliced; 3 whole medium carrots, cut into thick rounds; 3 whole garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 500 ml pork or chicken stock; 2 whole bay leaves; 1 tsp fine salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Slow-braised pork shoulder with onion, carrots, garlic and a light tomato broth.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 10 minMakes 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

This Ukrainian-style braised pork uses browned meat, onion, carrot, garlic and tomato paste in a slow-cooked broth. The source lists pork, beef or chicken as interchangeable, but their cooking times differ; this version uses pork shoulder and gives it enough time to become tender. Brown the meat in batches for deeper flavour, then keep the pot at a quiet simmer. Serve the meat and vegetables with some of the savoury cooking liquid. Pat pork dry. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high and brown pork in batches. Transfer to a plate. Add onions and carrots to the pot and cook 6 minutes until beginning to soften. Stir in garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute.

Ukrainian-Style Braised Pork with Vegetables

How to tell when it is ready

Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon pork, vegetables and broth into warm bowls.

Tips

Pat pork dry.
Add onions and carrots to the pot and cook 6 minutes until beginning to soften.
Return pork and juices to pot.
Cover and simmer gently 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork yields easily to a fork.

Troubleshooting

If pork is still firm, continue covered simmering in 15-minute intervals.
If sauce is thin, simmer uncovered briefly after the meat is tender.

Substitutions

Use beef chuck in place of pork shoulder.
Use vegetable stock and mushrooms for a meatless stew.

Variations

Add mushrooms with the carrots.
Stir in a teaspoon of sweet paprika.

Serving suggestions

Serve over mashed potatoes.
Add boiled buckwheat or rice.
Offer pickled vegetables on the side.
Top with chopped dill.

Make ahead

Measure and prepare the ingredients ahead. Follow the storage guidance after cooking: Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Storage

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Food safety

Cook pork until tender and reheat leftovers to 74°C (165°F).

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this with beef?

Yes, use a braising cut such as chuck and cook until fork-tender; the exact time will vary with the cut and cube size.

How should I store ukrainian-style braised pork with vegetables?

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serve over mashed potatoes. Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Ukrainian-Style Braised Pork with Vegetables