Chef John's Irish Pork Stew

This was exceptional! I added a little extra garlic but otherwise made as-is. The wife commented that this was the best stew she has ever had. I am certainly not going to wait for St, Patrick’s day to make again. Chef John’s Irish Stew with Lamb is on the radar too. Going to be tough to top this one though.

Served it to company on St. Patty's Day Eve, without first trying the recipe - which is something I never do. And everyone was delighted that I did! It was FANTASTIC! I had nearly 6 pounds of meat, and adjusted the recipe to suit. We (okay, 'I') just finished the last of the stew a few moments ago. My son even had it for breakfast after pulling an 'all nighter' for college. I had to promise my family that I'll make it again very soon. WELL WORTH MAKING. I did read one review that gave this recipe a lower rating because it contained alcohol, which honestly doesn't make any sense to me. If you don't like the alcohol, then use an alcohol free beer - don't give a wonderful recipe a bad rap. Anyway - please try this recipe. And definitely watch the video, too. Enjoy! :-)

Delicious Stew and very easy to make, I just have to say to all those saying they don't like the idea this has alcohol in it, if that's what you think then your cooking education is lacking. Yes you put beer in it but by the time it's done ALL traces of Alcohol have long evaporated away. There is no alcohol in the finished dish.

Delicious! Made the recipe exactly as written and we all loved it. Next time, however, I plan to roast the brussels sprouts before adding them to the stew rather than boiling them as the recipe calls for. I personally just don't care for the taste of boiled brussels sprouts and I think roasting them would give them a depth of flavor that would go wonderfully with the stew.

I made this stew tonite and it is fantastic!!!!! I served it over colcannon so I didn't add the Brussels sprouts. I would rate this recipe 100 stars! Thank you Chef John!

Absolutely delicious.. Couldn't have been happier with the way it turned out. I all-way like to made the recipe once as written, the way the chef did it. But I love it wend someone do the recipe with alterations, I too can't leave anything alone! I have to play with my food. You did adjusted it to your personal taste that what I like, to see what others have did to any improvements and/or variations you make to this simple recipe. I use 3 pounds lamb shoulder chops a little extra garlic but otherwise made as-is. I did read one review that gave this recipe a lower rating because it contained alcohol, You can substitute 1-1/2 cups chicken stock. YES I DO SEE this is on the radar too. Going to be tough to top this one though. I did adjusted to my personal taste. Your way is very delicious. The next time I did it and I add it to my recipe box and to My Note: My family loved bouth ways, and I'll be making this a lot more. Both are delicious, it's a matter of what your taste is....I now have two ways to this. YOU HAVE SUCCESS!! with me. Now I can do my happy food dance!! Thank you!!! Happy Cooking to you and y'all! Grpa

I used "country style ribs" and omitted the caraway seed. The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful. I also used small wedges of cabbage instead of sprouts. My family and guests raved. Thanks, Chef John!

This turned out amazing. Even better as leftovers.

Just made this last night. One word to describe it: AMAZING!! Best stew ever!!! The Brussels sprouts give it an extra texture and flavor that was just yummy! Will definitely be making this often. Only next time, I will add more carrots, celery, and definitely more Brussels sprouts.

You know when you eat something that is so good you insist others taste it....well that is how I feel about this stew. I wanted to keep eating but got full and will have to wait till morning to have more. I didn't have caraway seeds and halved the balsamic only because I'm not a big fan of it. This recipe is going to be a regular feature at our house!

Made a batch of dumplings to go with this. This stew is so delicious.

Fantastic dish for St Paddys day with a little twist on the seasonings. I loved the caraway , and serving it over mashed potatoes reminded me of shepherds pie. It's a keeper!!!

This was killer stew. I made it exactly as written and it will be my new St. Patrick's Day meal from now on! I never did like corned beef or shepherd's pie. This is insanely delicious! Thanks John, I'm a big fan!

I made this for my husband, he said it was one of his favorites! The kids all ate it and we all thought the mashed potato layer was really neat. I will make this again!

Oh yum! I have never poured soup over mashed potatoes before, and we loved it! The family looked at me strange as I instructed them to do it but they loved it! Perfect St. Patrick's Day dinner!!!

This stew was delicious! We enjoyed it even more left over. I followed the recipe exactly except for two things – we don't like the flavor of caraway seeds so I omitted them. Also I saw no reason to cook the Brussels sprouts separately - why mess up another pot! I simply added them about 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time. I am making this again this weekend.

Once again Chef John, excellent recipe. Did exactly as instructed and no changes and it was really, really good. Time was a little off. Mine needed about 3.5 hours but it was awesome. Thanks!

This was so great. My husband and I taste tested the sauce kinda at the beginning of cooking. We both looked at each other like...are we going to have to order pizza tonight? And then it's like a little leprechaun came in and made it delicious! Even my kids liked it. Will definitely make again. No substitutions needed!!

Didn't have a lot of flavor, wouldn't make again

This is the second batch I've made this LONG Winter and by far it's the best stew I've ever had! I doubled the serving size so I can share with my Irish bachelor friends!!! They always return the Tupperware bowls when finished and keep coming back for more!!! Thank you Chef John!

Loved this dinner!!! It is so rich and I didn't have beer but next I will make sure I do.

My family loved it so much they requested I make it for company we had over. I didn't add the brussel sprouts which I'm sure would have made it better but I know some folks don't care for them.

5 stars for taste but this was kind of a pain in the but t make. My whole family loved it and it was delicious over the mashed potatoes. We haven had stew that way. This cut of meat was very fatty so took a long time to cut and prepare. I left out the caraway seeds and used Budweiser instead of dark beer since that is what we had. The brussels sprouts were so good and very tasty in the stew. It seemed there was a ton of meat and not enough veggies but I'm not sure I'll be taking the time to make this again. I think most of the pots in the kitchen were dirty when I was done!

Chef John did it again! Definitely worth the time spent. I followed the recipe exactly. My husband said its restaurant quality. The only thing I would change is maybe use a leaner cut of pork or mix the pork shoulder with pork loin. I had to skim out about a cup of fat while stew was simmering. This recipe still deserve 5 stars though. Thank you chef john!

Just made this for st patties day. Best stew ever!

Yum yum yum!!! This had great flavor ! Will make again!

My husband loved this. I thought it was ok, but it's just not my type of food (hubby picked the recipe out!).

It was soooo goood! Made a big pot and now we are set for a couple of days. Happy.

Chef John, I just recently started watching your videos, and I am a convert. My family is very impressed with my renewed love of cooking. I love the recipes, and watching how everything comes together. Thank you so much. Please, keep them coming! Up-to-date comments: I made this stew today, as promised, and it was magnificent. I was afraid that the pork would not become tender, but it was very tender indeed. I'm just sorry that winter is over because I can't make it very often now...more of a winter meal. It was definitely a triumph in my house. My husband and family loved it and were very impressed. Thanks again, Chef John, for a winner!

This is wonderful and other than needing to add broth during the second hour of cooking, I made the recipe as is. This is such an interesting way to serve Brussels sprouts. I’m eating low carb and so didn’t serve the stew with mashed potatoes, but the addition of Brussels sprouts made the stew substantial enough to eat on its own.

I followed the recipe exactly (well, I may have slipped in an extra clove of garlic) and it was delicious.

Great flavor, different from other stews.

AMAZINGLY GOOD! I planned this recipe over a two week period. I didn't have any caraway seeds, bay leaves or Irish beer. It's not a cheap stew. I used country boneless ribs because they were cheaper. After preparing this meal without brussel sprouts, I used about 2 cups of shredded cabbage. I added a tsp.of sugar while cooking and it enhanced the entire meal. I cooked it for 2 hrs. and my family said they felt like they were in an Irish restaurant. They practically licked their bowls. Even the picky 10 yr. old asked for 2nd. Since, I have the herbs, I will cook this again and again.

Absolutely delicious! The pork had a great flavor and was so tender. Followed recipe - needed to add 1 more cup of broth and threw in some thyme. Used Sam Adams beer. Wicked good with the mashed potatoes on the bottom. Will make again and add in more veggies - the little cabbages were a great addition! Yummy in my tummy!

This is a great recipe! I added about 1/4 tsp more caraway seeds as well as Cayenne pepper to give it some heat. I was short on time, so I cooked the meat covered on the medium setting for 1hr and 15 minutes. The meat was very tender. I omitted the mashed potatoes. This would also complement some steamed rice!

This was amazing!! My family, including my very picky 17 y.o. daughter, loved it. I did omit the Brussel sprouts from the pot because I'm the only one who loves them,but I followed the recipe exactly otherwise. I just added the sprouts to my bowel, and I think my family is crazy for not loving them too, LOL!! I was told this is a "keeper" recipe, so I will definately make it again. This , like so many other Chef John recipes, is another hit! Thanks

I didn't have caraway seeds, so I used dill seeds. Also, I didn't have quite enough beer, so I finished it out with Pinot Noir. Vey Irish, I know. ;) Anyway, I think it was a strong enough recipe to withstand my necessary changes, and everyone raved about it!

Just made this...Holy Cr*p...this is awesome. A cold Guiness and rye bread...wooo hooo

Always trust chef john Honestly if you don't like this stew I'd say that's on you - either you made a mistake or you don't like one of the ingredients. If you do it anything close to as stated you end up with tender pork, perfect veg, and a rich pub-style gravy. You will notice immediately after you put it in how essential the balsamic is to this though; I would say for all the variations you can do w/ meat, veg, beer, broth, fat, it won't be the same without the vinegar.

This was absolutely delicious! My family greatly enjoyed it and I did not change a single thing. I followed the recipe exactly. Will be making again!!

Definitely will make this again! Now I make it every year on St Patrick's day and whenever I want something really delicious. My adult kids have cancelled plans with their friends to come to dinner when I have this.

The stew is fantastic! I made the mashed potatoes with a combination of red & russet potatoes. Try it, you'll like it.

Awesome dish! Great dinner for a cold winter evening.

Another great recipe Chef. Had left over Pork Shoulder, otherwise followed recipe. Think next time I will double veggies, as I like more in my food. Another great recipe by C.J.

I want to try this recipe tomorrow, but don't have access to the beer.....is there anything I could use as a sub? I love the list of ingredients and am really anxious to try it, but don't want to spoil the flavour

Pretty good, tasted OK, but I needed to thicken it with cornstarch.

This was delicious, the meat was soooo tender and love the Brussel sprouts at the end, I didn't boil them, I just microwaved for 2 minutes. Will definitely make again. Love all the recipes from chef John!

Great recipe. I've made this with and without the caraway and we prefer it without. We love this stew!

This was an outstanding alternative to the traditional corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's a Day. I forgot to get caraway seed, but the flavor was still wonderful. My husband and teenage sons loved it!

Loved,loved, loved it!!! Prepared exactly as directions stated just substituted cabbage for Brussels sprouts. The whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!

Just made this tonight.Wonderful flavor! Yum! I didn't have caraway seeds, but other than that, followed the recipe and served over mashed potatoes. Great St Patrick's dinner. I can't wait to make it again!

Amazing...but instead of brussel sprouts, I used a small bed of sauerkraut in place of the potatoes to give it some extra zing!

Enjoyed it. Would make again. Use frozen brussels to save a step.

Delicious! Worth the work to make it

Love this recipe! Didn't have beer or caraway seed on hand but still turned out really yummy! Used apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic since I don't have balsamic vinegar at home. Recommended this to my sister thanks for the recipe will make it again

I made it with the same ingredients, only adjusted for quantity and I didn't have the same beer. My wife immediately all me to print the recipe so she could save it in her files. I will definitely be making this again.I did use a homemade chicken broth, both a shoulder and a small sirloin. I used almost three beers, they were all dark and one contained honey. I am a fan of garlic, so I added about 4 cloves to the amount.

I have made this probably a dozen times since finding the recipe. Exactly as written and with adjustments. Very delicious on its own. Nothing I have done to it made it "better" but the stew is a great vehicle for all kinds of additions/adjustments. Peas, pearl onions, mushrooms and parsnips added. Doubled garlic. Tripled garlic. Bacon fat instead of butter to saute the onions. Pork lion dredged in flour ended up with literally melt in mouth chunks at the end. I don't keep caraway seed around and have had to omit a few times, still comes out good. Forgot the bay leaf once. Still tasty. Newcastle is amazing in this. Better than Guinness IMO. Every batch but the first 2 I experimented and it's never been bad. The one thing I changed permanently was how the meat and veg cook. Steps 1-5 are the same but I leave the veg out of 5 and cook for 30 w/ just the onions, beer, and meat. Then dump in all the veggies and cook for 1 hr. Then make your potatoes while the stew still cooks. By the time they're done, so is the stew. Gives the veggies more texture which is my preference. Onions will probably dissolve if done this way so make sure to add a few more in step 5. Or use pearl onions.

My gratitude and compliments to Chef John! This was fabulous! Cooked it in a cast iron Dutch oven and served to guests on St. Patrick's Eve. They are still raving and I loved it myself! TY!

Simply Amazing. I used Mad Elf beer vs Guinness. We will absolutely make this again for friends on Saint Patricks day!!!

This is the BEST stew we have ever eaten! It was easy to make and everyone LOVED it!!! (Sad thing is.., NO leftovers!) I will be making this often, NOT WAITING for NEXT St Patricks Day!!! Make it SOOOON! You WON'T be disappointed!!!!

I made the recipe exactly as stated except caraway seeds, due to allergy. Maybe that's why, but it needed something else...it just didn't taste 'complete'. I'll definitely make it again, but I'll have to think on some sort of tweak.

Very good. Hubby loves it. I even liked the Brussels sprouts in it.

I love Chef John and this recipe did not disappoint. No caraway seeds in my cupboard so omitted those and used a light lager I had on hand instead of a dark stout. Still so incredibly delish! My incredibly picky teen loved it, especially that amazing sauce.

Fantastic just as it was written. Don’t change a thing!

Add mushrooms. So tender and delish.

Very delicious and we really enjoyed the flavor of brussel sprouts and caraway seeds in the stew - something I've never added before. I used beef instead of pork, but I'm sure we'll love it with pork, too. This recipe is a keeper! It's comfort food at its best!

The best pork stew in ages. And I come from "stew country". Made it as is and was super delicious. Next time however will cook only 1 - 1.5 hrs. I think 2 hrs was too much. Also, I added the Brussels sprouts 10 min before the stew was done and loved it. Thank you Chef John. Staple in our house!

I don't like beer so I wasn't too keen on trying this recipe. However, after reading all the glowing reviews I thought I'd give it a chance. I'm I glad I did. This was delicious. I wouldn't change a thing the stew recipe is great as written.

I used the Robust Porter from Smuttynose Brewing company instead of Guinness (which i guess would make it an English pork stew rather than Irish), and used a picnic shoulder cut instead of Boston Butt (not by choice, my grocery never sells Boston Butt), and I roughly scaled up the recipe to accommodate the ~3.2lb of meat from the boneless picnic shoulder. I was pretty liberal with the salt, and if i make this again I will probably use a little less salt. It came out very flavorful and the pork was exceptionally tender, the Robust Porter gives it a nice flavor. This one is definitely a keeper.

Just made this and it is the best stew I’ve had! Chef John is the best!!!

Made this on St. Patrick's Day, & my family loved it! I did make a couple changes, though. I used beef broth instead of beer, cabbage instead of brussel sprouts, and I used some shredded pork I already had cooked.

I didn't add balsamic vinegar or the bay leaf and instead of cooking it on top of the stove, I baked it in a 400 degree oven for two hours. The meat was very tender and my family really liked it but I didn't care for it. This stew was very easy and I may try again, this time with beef.

Excellent. Cut the recipe in half...and used a little less caraway as my DH finds the taste overpowering. Also browned the Brussel sprouts for better flavor. This was very good. I plan to make this for the family for St Patrick's day...perhaps a side of colcannon...and some scones....Yum! Thanks for this recipe.

What a great stew recipe!!! Made it on a cold, snowy day and it was the perfect dinner. Only change I made was to add two more carrots, more Brussels sprouts (we love veggies) and a little more flour for a thicker sauce. Otherwise don’t change a thing- can’t wait to make for our kids.

Delicious ! Best tasting stew ever! The whole fam enjoyed it!

I love this. I made it to the letter once and left out caraway seeds once. I will admit I prefer it without caraway seeds, but I hate those, so that's on me.

One of our very favourites. Easy to make and spectacular flavour - a real winner!

Used 2 Tbs flour and will reduce caraway in half and add more veggies the next time I make it. It was delicious.

The juice is sucked up by the mashed potatoes. Soooo good. we ate it with soda bread

OMG....the best Irish stew I have ever had!!! My husband loved it and will never each beef stew again lol. I too added more garlic (4 cloves) and it was perfect!. Well done Chef John!!!! Keep up with the great recipes. :)

folowed the instructions 1:1 result great, will do it again soon

I don't like the taste of beer in my food. I thought the recipe was too bitter. I might try making it again with using beef broth instead of the chicken/beer broth mixture. I thought the brussels and pork shoulder turned out really good. The taste was definitely better the next day.

I used boneless ribs and cut the recipe in half to try. Was absolutely delicious. The brussel sprouts made it. Will definitely make this again, but not cut in a half.

I personally didn’t like the bitter flavor the Guinness added to this stew. I will make it again but with either a lighter beer, or no beer.

My whole family loved it! I did make a few changes...added three small potatoes, diced, and used some 1 tsp thyme instead of the bay leaf (mine had gone stale). Also used 2 tsp dried parsley instead of fresh as I could not find any to buy at this time of year. Family asked me to make again, so I'll try to follow exactly next time.

I made this entire recipe in our Cast Iron Dutch ovens and boiled the brussle sprouts in our cast iron deep fat fryer. Absolutely wonderful flavors, rich and hearty. The brussle sprouts had an amazing crunch that added some nice texture. I love how Irish Stout was present at the end of each bite and complemented every single ingredient. I might try adding in some halved whole mushrooms next time to add another level of flavor and texture. I did have to add in some slurry made with flour and Water to thicken the gravy some more but other than that followed the recipe to the letter. Thank you for such a wonderful treat with tastes of the Emerald Isle.

Followed recipe as written, awesome. Lightened it up a bit by using mashed colliflower instead of potatoes but wow what a great dinner. Will definitely make again. Always enjoyed Chef John's recipes, thanks

Chef John NEVER disappoints me!!! First trying this AMAZING dish and it was incredible and yes I followed it exactly!!! Cheers and Happy St Paddy's Day!!

Great cold weather stew! Made as is! Wow!

I'm always looking for new stew recipes and this one was great! Had all the veggies we love and the gravy was excellent! Instead of serving it on mashed potatoes, I added chunks of yellow Yukon potatoes and served it with a crusty loaf of bread. Yummy! Will definitely make again- and again.

This was a fantastic meal! My husband could hardly wait until it was done :) The whole family enjoyed it, no leftovers. This recipe is going into our monthly rotation, especially now with fall around the corner.

Even my kids ate this, Brussel sprouts and all! That in itself deserves 5 stars. Great flavor!

I have made this several time and am never disappointed by the flavor.

Yummmmm!!!!!!!

I'm not entirely sure what went wrong as I followed the instructions exactly. While the pork was tender, the stew came out more as a sauce as the instructions made it reduce to a vinegary mess. If I try this again, it will need to serious retooling.

As always, Chef John's recipes never disappoint.

No substitutions. A delicious, delightful preparation. It got raves from my family. THANKYOU chef John for sharing your talent with us, an army of home cooks!

A rich stew that was perfect for a Sunday. My only modification was cooking potatoes in the stew instead of making mashed potatoes separately. This greatly increased the volume of stew, requiring a full quart of chicken stock. However, after 2 hours of simmering, it still had loads of flavor.

Added more carrots and celery but other than that followed the recipe exactly and this was WONDERFUL! Had 12 guests over for a St. Patty's day party and they all loved it!