This tender apple cider braised pork shoulder is a cozy dish that fills your kitchen with a sweet, spicy aroma. The juicy meat soaks up the flavors of apple cider and herbs, making it comforting and delicious!
If you love enjoying tender bites of pork paired with a hint of sweetness, this recipe is a winner. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, and honestly, who can resist that combo? 🍏🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for braising because it’s fatty and will become super tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it may not turn out as juicy. I love the flavor of bone-in pork, but boneless will work too!
Apple Cider: Fresh, unsweetened apple cider is best for this recipe. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with apple juice. Just watch the sweetness! For a more complex flavor, try adding a splash of hard cider.
Apples: I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast. If you want something sweeter, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too! Just keep in mind the balance of flavors.
Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma, but if it’s not available, dried thyme will do. I usually double the amount of dried herbs since dried ones are more concentrated. Rosemary complements the dish nicely too!
Onion & Garlic: These are key for building a flavorful base. You can substitute garlic with garlic powder in a pinch (1/4 teaspoon per clove). Sweet onions work if you’re looking for a milder taste.
How Do I Braise Pork Perfectly?
Braising can seem tricky, but it’s all about low and slow cooking! Here’s how to make it foolproof:
- Start by searing the pork in heated oil to create a flavorful crust.
- After searing, sauté the onions and garlic to soften and release their flavors.
- Deglaze the pot with liquids (apple cider and broth). This pulls up those tasty bits stuck on the bottom!
- Add the pork back into the pot ensuring it’s surrounded by the liquid and cover it tightly.
- Braise in the oven at a low temperature (325°F) for 3 to 3 ½ hours, which allows the meat to become tender.
Rest the meat after cooking to let the juices redistribute; this gives you the best texture! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless), trimmed of excess fat
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably fresh, unsweetened)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and about 3 to 3½ hours for cooking in the oven. The wet braising method helps the pork shoulder become tender and juicy, resulting in a heartwarming dish perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pork:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Next, pat the pork shoulder dry with some paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear later. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper so that the flavor seeps in!
2. Searing the Pork:
Grab a large Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot and heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork shoulder in the pot and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
Lower the heat slightly to medium, and toss in the sliced onions. Cook them until they’re soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Adding Apples and Liquids:
Next, stir in your sliced apples, giving them a quick 2-3 minute cook to soften them a bit. Now it’s time to pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and bay leaves. If you want a little sweetness, go ahead and add the brown sugar or maple syrup! Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
5. Braising the Pork:
Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it right into the lovely mixture. Cover the pot tightly with its lid and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 to 3½ hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Resting and Finishing the Sauce:
Once the pork is done, take the pot out of the oven and transfer the pork to a platter. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to rest. While it’s resting, put the remaining sauce in the pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Remove the bay leaves and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to thicken up a bit.
7. Serving:
Now it’s time to slice or shred that delicious pork shoulder! Serve it up with the apple and sauce drizzled generously over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder with some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a nice crusty bread to soak up all the wonderful sauce. Happy cooking!
FAQ: Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or pork butt, but keep in mind that they may vary in tenderness and flavor. Pork shoulder has more fat, which adds richness and helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you can’t find fresh apple cider, you can substitute it with apple juice. Just remember to check the sweetness level, as juice may be sweeter than cider. For a more complex flavor, consider using hard apple cider as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork shoulder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the pork and sauce in a pan over low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pork a day in advance. After it cools, store it in the fridge with the sauce. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve, and you may find the flavors have melded even more!
