This tender apple cider braised pork shoulder is a cozy dish that warms your heart! The pork becomes really soft while soaking up the yummy flavors of apple cider and spices.
Honestly, it smells amazing while cooking. I love serving it with mashed potatoes for a perfect dinner treat. You might find yourself going for seconds—you’ve been warned! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow braising due to its marbling. If you can’t find pork shoulder, try using a pork butt, as it’s quite similar. I prefer bone-in for added flavor, but boneless works great too.
Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith are amazing! If you want a sweeter version, Honeycrisp is also good. You can substitute with pears for a different flavor, but adjust the cooking time since they may soften faster.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened cider brings out the true apple flavor. If you can’t find cider, apple juice is an option, but it will be sweeter. You could even mix apple juice with a bit of water to mimic cider.
Spices: Fresh thyme is fantastic, but dried thyme works too. For an herbal twist, try sage or oregano if thyme isn’t available. As for cinnamon, I love the warmth it adds, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan!
What’s the Best Way to Sear the Pork for Flavor?
Searing the pork is essential to build deep flavor in your dish. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure your pot is hot before adding oil. You want it to shimmer.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure a nice crust. Searing wet meat will steam it instead.
- Sear on each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, but don’t crowd the pot; if needed, do it in batches.
- Once browned, let it rest. This makes a big flavor difference when braising it later!
Don’t rush the process; a good sear creates flavors that elevate the whole dish!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Braised Pork:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 apples, sliced (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of cooking time in the oven. Altogether, you’re looking at around 3.5 to 4 hours to enjoy this delicious meal, making it a perfect choice for a cozy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While that’s warming up, pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it sear better! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously all over the pork.
2. Sear the Pork:
In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully golden-brown—this should take about 4-5 minutes per side. After achieving that gorgeous crust, remove the pork and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and stick around for another minute so it gets nice and fragrant!
4. Add the Apples:
Now, it’s time for the stars of the show! Add the sliced apples to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they just start to soften.
5. Build the Flavor:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Then, stir in the brown sugar, thyme, rosemary (if using), bay leaves, and cinnamon. Mix it all together!
6. Nestle the Pork:
Return the pork shoulder to the pot, gently nestling it into the flavorful liquid and apples. Bring everything to a gentle simmer on the stove.
7. Braise in the Oven:
Once it’s simmering, cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, turning the meat halfway through if you can. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fork-tender and falls apart beautifully!
8. Rest and Prepare the Sauce:
When the pork is done, remove it from the pot and tent it with foil, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid and simmer it uncovered on the stove to thicken slightly if you’d like a richer sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice or shred the pork, and serve it topped with the braising liquid, apples, and onions. Don’t forget the garnish—sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you want a pop of color! This dish is delightful with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a cozy, heartwarming meal.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder; it’s perfect for those chilly nights!
Frequent Questions About Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for braising due to its fat content, you can also use pork butt or even boneless pork loin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and cut.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, you can use apple juice, but it will be sweeter. A mixture of apple juice and a splash of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) can mimic the tangy flavor of cider. Another option is to use dilute golden syrup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can braise the pork shoulder a day in advance. Let it cool completely before refrigerating. The flavors will deepen overnight, and you can simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
