This Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a cozy dish full of flavor! The pork gets tender and juicy as it slowly cooks in sweet apple cider, spices, and onions.
I love the way this meal fills the house with a warm apple scent! It’s perfect for a family dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes for a simple, hearty feast that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish. I recommend either bone-in for extra flavor or boneless for easier slicing. If you’re in a pinch, a pork loin can work, but it won’t be as tender.
Apple Cider: Unfiltered apple cider adds a fantastic sweetness. However, if that’s not available, you can use regular apple juice, just cut back on the sugar a little since juice is sweeter.
Onions: Yellow onions are great for their sweetness, but you can use white or even red onions if that’s what you have. They’ll add a slightly different flavor but will still taste good.
Herbs: I love using thyme and rosemary for their earthy flavor. If you don’t have dried herbs, use fresh herbs, but double the amount for a fresher taste. Alternatively, sage can give a nice twist.
What’s the Best Way to Brown the Pork for Great Flavor?
Browning the pork is critical for flavor! Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add oil—making sure it’s hot before adding the pork. This helps to create a beautifully caramelized crust.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels first. Moisture will prevent browning.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t rush this step!
- After browning, remove the pork before adding onions to keep the cooked bits in the pot for added flavor.
Taking your time with this step will enhance the dish significantly. Happy cooking!
Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), 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 cups apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 2 apples, cored and sliced (for extra apple flavor and texture)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of cooking time in the oven. You’ll get a deliciously tender pork shoulder that’s full of flavor, ready to serve whenever you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pork:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it heats, pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better. Season the pork all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure it’s well-coated.
2. Browning the Pork:
In a large Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned pork shoulder and brown it on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the pot. Cook them until they become soft and translucent, which takes around 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell the delicious aroma.
4. Adding the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Add the brown sugar, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves, stirring well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Braising the Pork:
Return the browned pork shoulder to the pot, making sure it’s nestled in the liquid. If you’re adding apples for more flavor, now’s the time to surround the pork with the sliced apples! Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
6. Cooking Until Tender:
Braise the pork for about 3 to 3.5 hours. You know it’s ready when the pork is very tender and you can easily pull it apart with a fork. Don’t rush this step; the longer it cooks, the more tender it gets!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s finished cooking, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Transfer the pork shoulder to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes to retain its juices. Meanwhile, remove any excess fat from the sauce—this will make it taste even better!
8. Serving:
Slice or shred the pork as desired. Serve it generously topped with the tasty apple cider sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color! This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder!
FAQ for Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and marbling, you can use pork loin or even ribs if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; lean cuts will cook faster than shoulder.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice. Just reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe since apple juice is typically sweeter. Alternatively, a mix of white grape juice and apple cider vinegar can mimic the flavor quite well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water to keep it moist. You can also freeze leftover pork shoulder for up to 3 months for quick meals later!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the pork and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender. It’s a great option if you prefer a hands-off cooking method!
