This Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder makes dinner a cozy treat! The pork gets so soft and juicy, all thanks to the sweet apple cider and simple spices.
Cooking is a breeze! Just let it simmer while your home fills with the yummy smell of apples and spices. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! 🍏🥩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for braising due to its marbling, which keeps it juicy as it cooks. If unavailable, you can use pork butt or even a leaner cut like pork loin, but you’ll have to check cooking times as they can dry out faster.
Apple Cider: A key to the dish’s flavor! I love using unfiltered apple cider for a robust taste. If you can’t find it, regular apple juice can work, but it may be less intense.
Onion and Garlic: Both are staples for a rich base. Yellow onions are my go-to for sweetness. If you want to cut down on sweetness, use white onions instead. Fresh garlic is the best for flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Herbs: I prefer fresh thyme and rosemary for a fragrant finish, but dried herbs are fine too! Use a little less than the amount for fresh herbs, as dried herbs have more concentrated flavor. If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, try using Herbes de Provence.
Apples: I suggest Granny Smith for some tartness, but you can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer them sweeter. Any firm apple works well, even mixed types for added flavor complexity.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Pork is Perfectly Braised?
The secret to perfect braising is low and slow. This process allows the tough connective tissues in the pork to break down, resulting in tender meat. Here’s how to make it work:
- Sear the Meat: Browning the pork to develop flavor is crucial! Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the pork and avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Simmer Gently: After adding the liquids, bring to a simmer before covering and transferring to the oven. This step helps marry the flavors.
- Cooking Time: Cook the pork shoulder for about 3 to 4 hours, but keep an eye on it! It should shred easily when it’s done.
- Resting Time: Let the pork rest before shredding; it helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
With these tips, you’ll achieve a flavorful, tender apple cider braised pork shoulder that everyone will love!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pork: 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), bone-in or boneless
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetables: 1 large onion, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Apple Cider: 2 cups apple cider (preferably unfiltered for more flavor)
- Broth: 1 cup chicken broth
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Herbs: 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves)
- Herbs: 2 teaspoons dried rosemary (or 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped)
- Flavoring: 2 bay leaves
- Apples: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- Optional Sweetener: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for slight caramelization)
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 3 to 4 hours of braising in the oven. It’s a relaxed process, giving you time to enjoy the wonderful smells wafting through your kitchen while the pork cooks to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in!
2. Prepare the Pork:
Take your pork shoulder and pat it dry with some paper towels, which helps with browning. Generously season it with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. Brown the Pork:
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and brown it on all sides, which takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Add the Liquids and Herbs:
Now, pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and brown sugar (if you opted to use it). Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
6. Return and Nestle the Pork:
Carefully place the pork shoulder back into the pot. Surround it with the sliced apples.
7. Braise the Pork:
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 to 4 hours. It’s done when the pork is super tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
8. Rest & Reduce:
Once cooked, take the pot out of the oven and carefully remove the pork. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. While it’s resting, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid—this will help keep your dish a bit lighter.
9. Make the Sauce (Optional):
If you want a thicker sauce, you can place the pot with the cooking liquid and apples back on the stove over medium heat. Let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens a bit.
10. Serve:
Shred or slice the pork shoulder and serve it up warm with the braised apples and sauce generously spooned over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for some beautiful color!
Enjoy your warm, tender, and flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder with friends and family! It’s perfect for cozy dinners!
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 fat content, you can substitute it with pork butt or even pork loin. Just remember that leaner cuts like pork loin will cook faster and may dry out if overcooked.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Just brown the pork and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you need to revive the sauce, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Can I Omit the Apples?
While the apples add a lovely sweetness and complement the dish, you can leave them out if you prefer. Consider adding some chopped carrots or parsnips instead for added flavor and texture!
