Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
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.
- 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
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- 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.
- Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Deglaze with a splash of apple cider.
- Return the pork to the pot, adding remaining apple cider, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover tightly and braise in the oven for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
- 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.