This tender apple cider braised pork shoulder is a cozy dish that warms your soul. It combines the rich flavors of pork with sweet and tangy apple cider for a tasty meal.
I love how the meat just falls apart after a few hours of cooking. Serve it with mashed potatoes, and it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: A great choice for its marbling and flavor. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you could use a pork butt or even a beef chuck roast for a different dish.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened apple cider is key for balanced flavor. If that’s hard to find, apple juice or a mix of apple juice with a splash of vinegar can be a good substitute.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for sweetness. If you want a sharper taste, you can use red onions instead. And for a milder flavor, feel free to use shallots.
Herbs: Fresh thyme really enhances the flavor, but if you have dried thyme, use that. I often prefer fresh when possible for that aromatic boost!
Apples: Granny Smith adds tartness. You can switch it up with Fuji or Gala apples if you prefer sweeter notes in your dish.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sear on the Pork?
Searing the pork is crucial for flavor development. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure the pork is dry; moisture can prevent browning.
- Use a hot skillet—medium-high heat works best. This way, you get a nice golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Sear in batches if needed, allowing proper space for heat circulation.
- Let it sear without moving it too much. About 4-5 minutes on each side will give you that beautiful color!
Taking time with these steps really adds depth to your final dish!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 apples, sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 3 to 4 hours of braising in the oven. You’ll spend a little time searing the pork and getting everything mixed together, and then you can let the oven do the work while you take a break!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to braise the pork.
2. Prepare the Pork:
Take your pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Sear the Pork:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until it’s browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set it aside for now.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté them until they’re softened and lightly caramelized, around 5–7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Mix the Braising Liquid:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add so much flavor!
6. Add the Seasonings:
Stir in the brown sugar, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). This will create a delicious mixture to braise the pork.
7. Nestle the Pork:
Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the flavorful liquid. Then, add the sliced apples around the pork for a sweet touch.
8. Braise in the Oven:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow it to braise for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the pork out of the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing or shredding it. If you’d like, skim off any excess fat from the braising liquid, then simmer the liquid over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes to reduce it into a delicious sauce.
10. Enjoy Your Dish:
Serve the tender pork with the apples and drench it in the sauce for a wonderful meal. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes or crusty bread!
Enjoy your tender, fragrant apple cider braised pork shoulder!
FAQs for Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with pork butt or even a beef chuck roast if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If you can’t find unsweetened apple cider, you can use apple juice or a mix of apple juice with a bit of vinegar (about 1 tablespoon) to mimic the acidity of cider.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and let it cool before refrigerating it for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth or water to keep it moist.
