This dish features a juicy pork shoulder slowly cooked in sweet apple cider. The result is tender meat packed with yummy flavors, perfect for cozy dinners.
I’ll be honest, having the kitchen smell like a warm apple pie while cooking is a major perk! Serve it with mashed potatoes for a great meal that feels special yet simple to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for low and slow cooking. You can use bone-in for added flavor or boneless for easier slicing. If you’re in a pinch, pork butt works well too!
Apple Cider: Unsweetened cider gives the best flavor. If it’s unavailable, apple juice is a decent substitute, though it will be sweeter. You can also add a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing since they add sweetness. However, you can swap with white onions or even shallots if that’s what you have on hand.
Herbs: Fresh thyme really shines here, but dried thyme will do if you don’t have fresh. Feel free to use sage instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing the Pork Shoulder?
Searing is an important step that brings out flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your pot is hot before adding the oil. This prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if it’s too crowded, the meat will steam instead of sear. If needed, do this in batches.
- Let the meat brown undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side. This develops a nice crust. Once you see a deep brown color, that’s your cue to flip!
With these steps, you’ll lock in flavors that make your dish even better!
What’s the Best Way to Braise and Keep Meat Tender?
Braising is all about low and slow cooking, which helps break down tough cuts:
- After searing, keep the pot covered to trap moisture.
- A gentle simmer is key; it’s best to keep the heat low. This ensures even cooking without drying the meat out.
- Use enough liquid to partially submerge the meat. This helps it braise evenly.
- Check the meat towards the end. It should pull apart easily with a fork.
Following these tips will give you juicy, tender results every time!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 4 to 5 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Braising Liquid:
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for warmth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then around 3 to 4 hours in the oven to braise. You’ll enjoy inviting aromas and a beautiful meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Getting it warm before you put the pork in will make sure it braises perfectly!
2. Prepare the Pork:
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously season the meat all over with salt and black pepper—this adds flavor!
3. Sear the Pork:
In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork shoulder, searing it on all sides until you see a nice golden-brown crust, about 4-5 minutes per side. When done, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook them until they’re softened and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Make the Braising Liquid:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot and loosen any tasty browned bits stuck to it. That’s where a lot of flavors come from!
6. Add the Seasonings:
If you’re using brown sugar, stir it in along with the thyme sprigs, optional rosemary, and cinnamon stick. This mixture will create a heavenly taste.
7. Return the Pork:
Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot. Nestle the sliced apples around the meat—they’ll soak up all the yummy flavors!
8. Braise in the Oven:
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stove. Once simmering, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
9. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the oven—be cautious, it will be hot! Transfer the pork to a serving platter and cover it with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
10. Optional Step for Sauce:
If you like, you can place the pot with the braising liquid back on the stove. Simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce slightly. It makes a fantastic topping!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice or pull apart the pork, serving it warm with the apple-onion sauce spooned generously over the top. Enjoy your flavorful, tender apple cider braised pork shoulder with friends and family!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for braising due to its marbling and fat content, you can substitute it with pork butt or even a pork loin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, especially with leaner cuts like loin, which cooks more quickly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! Dried herbs can be used instead. For this recipe, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of fresh. If you want to use dried rosemary, reduce to about 1/2 teaspoon as it’s more potent.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheating is best done on the stove over low heat, or you can microwave it, adding a splash of apple cider or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the initial steps for searing the pork and cooking the onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender.
