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Shio koji is a fermented mixture of grain inoculated with mold (koji), water and salt that is used in marinades and brines. Chef Ben Bebenroth of Cleveland's Spice Catering loves how it gives this pork shoulder recipe funky umami flavor, while also helping to tenderize the meat. Miso, which also contains koji, is an easier-to-find substitute. Serve with Ginger Pickled Carrots (see Associated Recipe)--their acidity balances the richness of the dish.

Source: EatingWell Magazine, July / August 2020

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Recipe Summary

active:
1 hr 15 mins
total:
3 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Brine & Pork
Braise

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • To brine pork: Combine water, shio koji (or miso), brown sugar, salt, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns in a large pot. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the sugar and salt dissolve. Transfer to a large bowl and add ice. When the ice is melted, add pork. Refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours.

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  • Remove the pork from the brine (discard brine) and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Pat the pork dry.

  • To braise pork: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add half the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining pork. Add onion and water to the pot and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, wine and honey; bring to a simmer. Return the pork to the pot. Cover and bake until the pork is fork-tender, 2 to 3 hours.

  • Transfer the pork and vegetables to a serving dish and tent with foil to keep warm. Skim fat from the cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the sauce is reduced by half, 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Spoon the sauce over the pork and vegetables and sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

To make ahead

Brine pork (Step 1) for up to 36 hours.

Tip

Primarily used as a marinade, shio koji has a similar taste to sake or miso, all of which contain the Japanese fermenting agent koji, usually made from rice. Purchase prepared shio koji at Asian markets or online. If you buy the powdered version, prepare it according to the package instructions before using it in this recipe.

Associated Recipe

Nutrition Facts

3 oz. pork & 3 Tbsp. sauce
307 calories; protein 24.9g; carbohydrates 7.9g; dietary fiber 0.5g; sugars 5.9g; fat 18g; saturated fat 6.4g; cholesterol 92.2mg; vitamin a iu 153.8IU; vitamin c 3.6mg; folate 2.6mcg; calcium 38mg; iron 1.9mg; magnesium 24.7mg; potassium 417.4mg; sodium 436.9mg; added sugar 4g.
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