Savory Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug on a chilly day. Picture tender, juicy pork shoulder submerged in a sweet and tangy apple cider bath, transforming the ordinary into something spectacular. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your neighbors question why they weren’t invited over for dinner.

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the fragrant air of bubbling cider and spices. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners or any occasion where you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.

I still remember the first time I made this recipe for my friends. Their delighted faces were priceless as they dug into the tender pork and savory sauce.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pork Shoulder: Look for a well-marbled cut; it ensures maximum juiciness and tenderness during cooking.

• Apple Cider: Use fresh, unfiltered cider for the best flavor; it adds sweetness and acidity that complement the pork beautifully.

• Onions: Yellow onions work best here; they caramelize nicely and provide a rich base flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness that elevates every bite.

• Thyme: Fresh thyme brings an earthy note; substitute dried if necessary, but fresh truly shines in this recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to keep control over salt levels while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps in browning the meat perfectly before braising.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t skimp on these as they enhance all other flavors beautifully.

• Apple Slices (optional): Adding sliced apples during cooking provides an extra layer of sweetness to balance the savory notes.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature ensures that your pork shoulder becomes fall-apart tender during its long cook time.

Sear the Pork Shoulder: In a large Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it’s golden brown—this should take about 8-10 minutes.

Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Once seared, remove the pork from the pot. Add sliced onions and minced garlic to sauté until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a splash of apple cider as you deglaze.

Braise with Cider and Broth : Return the pork shoulder to the pot along with remaining apple cider and chicken broth. Add thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer before covering.

Braise in Oven : Cover your Dutch oven tightly with a lid or foil and place it in your preheated oven. Let it braise undisturbed for about 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

Create Delicious Sauce : After braising, carefully remove the pork from the pot and let it rest while you reduce the sauce on stovetop over medium heat until thickened—around 15 minutes.

Now you’ve got yourself a heavenly Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder that’s not only impressive but incredibly delicious! Serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce—it’s going to be unforgettable!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the pork until golden brown. Then, deglaze with apple cider and add aromatics before braising it low and slow for ultimate tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth. You can also swap apple cider for hard cider to amp up the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain moisture and tenderness without drying out the pork.

Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where we’d all sit around the table, sharing stories and laughter as we devoured this delightful meal together.

FAQ

What cut of pork is best for apple cider braised pork shoulder?

Pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling, which keeps it juicy during cooking.

How long should I braise the pork?

Braise for about 3 to 4 hours at a low temperature for tender results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better when made a day ahead; flavors meld beautifully overnight.

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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Tender pork shoulder bathes in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. This easy-to-make recipe will impress your family and friends, making it ideal for Sunday dinners or festive gatherings. With its rich aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup apple slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown (8-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Deglaze with a splash of apple cider.
4. Return the pork to the pot, adding remaining apple cider, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover tightly and braise in the oven for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
6. Remove pork from the pot; reduce sauce on stovetop over medium heat for about 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For added flavor depth, experiment with herbs like rosemary. Substitute hard cider for apple cider for a richer taste. Cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stove.