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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a tender, slow-cooked dish infused with the perfect balance of savory pork and sweet apple cider, making it an ideal meal for cozy fall gatherings.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered, if possible)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
    • Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Sear the Pork:
    • Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
  3. Cook the Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, add the sliced onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the Pot:
    • Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds great flavor).
    • Stir in the apple cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, rosemary, and thyme.
  5. Add the Pork and Apples:
    • Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.
    • Scatter the apple slices around the pork.
    • If you prefer a slightly sweeter dish, sprinkle in the brown sugar at this stage.
  6. Braise the Pork:
    • Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
    • Braise for about 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
  7. Serve:
    • Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before shredding or slicing.
    • Serve the pork with the apple and onion mixture from the pot, drizzling some of the braising liquid over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Serve the pork with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
  • You can thicken the braising liquid into a sauce by simmering it on the stove after the pork is done, adding a bit of cornstarch slurry if necessary.
  • Author: Lindsey Chastain
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Find it online: https://waddleandcluck.com/apple-cider-braised-pork-shoulder/

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