This tasty apple cider braised pork shoulder is the perfect cozy meal. The sweet and tangy apple cider makes the pork incredibly tender and flavorful!
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just braise it slowly until it falls apart. Serve it with mashed potatoes or warm bread, and it’s a feast! 🍏🥩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish! Whether you pick bone-in or boneless, both work well. If you’re looking for something leaner, try a pork loin, but keep in mind it may not be as tender.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened cider is best for this recipe. If it’s hard to find, you can use apple juice, just reduce any added sugar to balance the sweetness.
Onion: I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness, but white or red onions can work too. If you’re in a pinch, a shallot will add a mild flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs bring great flavor! If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried versions will do—just use about a third of the amount.
Apples: Granny Smith offers a tartness that complements the dish well. Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can swap them for whatever apples you have, just avoid mushy ones!
How Do I Get the Pork to Be Perfectly Tender?
Braising is the key here! It’s all about slow cooking in liquid until the meat is tender. Here’s how:
- Start by searing the pork in a hot pot to form a browned crust. This adds flavor!
- Once you add the liquids and herbs, ensure the pork is mostly submerged. This helps it cook evenly.
- Cover the pot tightly while it’s in the oven. This traps steam and moisture that keeps the pork juicy.
- Let it cook slowly for about 3 to 3.5 hours. You want it to pull apart easily with a fork!
Resting the pork after cooking allows juices to redistribute, which enhances flavor. Happy cooking!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Braising Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
For The Seasoning:
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
For The Apples:
- 2 medium apples, cored and cut into wedges (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For Finishing:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of cooking time in the oven. After that, you’ll want to let the meat rest for about 10 minutes before serving. So in total, plan for about 4 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This will give it time to reach the perfect temperature for cooking the pork low and slow.
2. Season the Pork:
Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides to enhance the flavor.
3. Brown the Pork:
In a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and brown it on all sides until it has a nice, deep golden crust—about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside for now.
4. Sauté the Onion:
Add the sliced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and slightly caramelized.
5. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
6. Add Liquid:
Pour in the apple cider, low-sodium chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Make sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this is where the flavor comes from!
7. Sweeten Up (Optional):
Add in the brown sugar or maple syrup, stirring to combine. This step is optional but gives a wonderful balance to the dish.
8. Add Herbs and Apples:
Now toss in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and apple wedges, stirring them into the mixture.
9. Return the Pork:
Return the browned pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the liquid and apples so it’s well-covered.
10. Braise in Oven:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the pork to braise for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
11. Rest the Pork:
Once done, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Take out the pork shoulder and let it rest for about 10 minutes on a cutting board before shredding or slicing.
12. Reduce the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, place the pot back on the stove over medium heat and simmer the braising liquid until it reduces slightly.
13. Add Mustard (Optional):
If you enjoy a tangy kick, whisk in Dijon mustard into the sauce for an added layer of flavor before serving.
14. Serve It Up:
Serve the tender pork shoulder topped with the braised apples, and spoon the rich sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious apple cider braised pork shoulder — a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its richness and tenderness, you can substitute with pork loin or even pork ribs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may cook faster than pork shoulder.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you can’t find unsweetened apple cider, you can use apple juice instead! Just be mindful to reduce any added sugars in the recipe since apple juice is usually sweeter.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork up to a day in advance! Let it cool completely after cooking, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving. The flavors intensify overnight!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dish?
This braised pork pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, rice, or warm crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal!
