This tender apple cider braised pork shoulder is a true comfort dish. The pork cooks slowly in sweet apple cider, making it juicy and full of flavor. Yum!
Trust me, the smell while it cooks is amazing! I like to serve it with mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. Your kitchen will feel like a cozy fall day—even in summer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes very tender. If you can’t find shoulder, Boston butt works well too. You can also use a boneless version, but keep an eye on cooking time as it might cook faster.
Apple Cider: Fresh, unsweetened apple cider adds a lovely sweetness. If it’s unavailable, apple juice can be a substitute, but it might make the dish a bit sweeter than desired.
Onions: I like using yellow onions for their balance of sweetness and sharpness. You could use shallots for a milder taste, or even red onions for a more colorful dish.
Thyme: Fresh thyme has a bright flavor, but if you use dried thyme, remember that it’s more potent. Use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh thyme. If you’re out of thyme, rosemary or Italian seasoning can add a different twist!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Pork Shoulder?
Browning the pork shoulder is crucial for depth of flavor. Here are a few tips for perfect browning:
- Ensure your pot is hot before adding the meat; this helps form a nice crust.
- Don’t rush it! Give each side about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Work in batches if you have a smaller pot. Overcrowding will steam instead of sear the meat.
After browning, don’t skip the step of caramelizing the onions! It adds a sweet richness that complements the pork wonderfully.
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat:
- 4 to 5 pounds bone-in pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For Braising Liquid:
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably fresh and unsweetened)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme or 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Additions:
- 2 apples, sliced (for extra apple flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then 3 to 4 hours of braising in the oven. While it takes some time, most of it is hands-off, and the result is incredibly tender and flavorful meat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for cooking your pork shoulder.
2. Season the Pork:
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to help it brown nicely. Generously season it with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring even flavor throughout.
3. Brown the Pork:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork shoulder to the pot. Sear it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once browned, transfer the pork to a plate.
4. Sauté the Onions:
With the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the sliced onions. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and lightly caramelized, which will take about 8 minutes. The sweet aroma will start filling your kitchen!
5. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for about a minute, just until you can smell the delicious garlic flavor.
6. Create the Braising Liquid:
Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, then add the apple cider vinegar. Stir in the brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to combine all the flavorful bits.
7. Return the Pork:
Place the browned pork shoulder back into the pot. If you’re using apples, nestle the slices around it now. This makes for thoughtful and delicious flavor blending!
8. Braise in the Oven:
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in your preheated oven. Allow it to braise for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork becomes fork-tender and shreds easily.
9. Rest the Pork:
Carefully remove the pork from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to keep it juicy before shredding or slicing.
10. Make the Sauce:
If you’d like to make the sauce richer, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can then simmer it on the stove to reduce slightly and thicken it for a more luscious finish.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tender pork drizzled with the savory apple cider braising sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a splash of color and freshness.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder! It’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can! If you can’t find pork shoulder, boneless pork butt is a great alternative. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for fork-tenderness around the 3-hour mark.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, you can use apple juice, but be mindful that it may be sweeter. A mixture of equal parts apple juice and chicken broth can also work, providing good flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork shoulder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just ensure it’s cooled completely first. It will stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Can I Make This Dish in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, follow the same steps for browning the meat and sautéing the onions. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender. Enjoy!
