Indulging in a meal of apple cider braised pork shoulder is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly autumn evening. The delightful aroma of caramelizing onions and herbs fills the air as the tender pork shoulder simmers slowly in a bath of sweet apple cider, conjuring visions of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. Imagine sinking your fork into that juicy, flavorful meat while the tangy sweetness of apples dances on your palate — pure bliss.
Every bite transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up this dish during cool fall weekends. We would gather around her table, plates piled high with tender pork and buttery mashed potatoes, ready for a feast. It’s not just food; it’s an experience full of warmth and joy that I can’t wait to share with you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This apple cider braised pork shoulder is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- The flavor profile combines sweet and savory elements beautifully, creating a dish everyone will rave about
- Its inviting golden-brown color adds visual appeal to any dining table, making it a standout centerpiece
- Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to pair with various sides or even be used in sandwiches for leftovers
Sharing this dish with friends had everyone asking for seconds — I think they were fighting over the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut works best for tenderness; aim for about 3-4 pounds.
Apple Cider: Go for unfiltered cider; it adds a rich sweetness that elevates the dish.
Onions: Sweet onions are ideal; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give this dish an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on them!
Thyme: Fresh thyme imparts an earthy note that complements the sweetness of the cider.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding depth to the sauce.
Olive Oil: A splash for searing adds richness and helps develop those delightful browned bits.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential; season generously to enhance all flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
First things first: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grab your trusty Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat, then season your pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper before browning it on all sides until it’s gloriously golden brown.
Once you’ve got that beautiful crust on your pork shoulder, remove it from the pot and set it aside—don’t worry; it’ll return! In the same pot, toss in sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, around 5-7 minutes. The smell will have you dreaming of autumn days.
Next up is garlic time! Add minced garlic to your softened onions and let them mingle for about a minute until aromatic. Then pour in that luscious apple cider along with chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits at the bottom — that’s flavor town right there!
Now return your browned pork shoulder back into the pot along with fresh thyme sprigs. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it braise away for about 3 hours — trust me; patience is key here!
After 3 hours of tantalizing aromas wafting through your home (you can almost hear your stomach growling), check if the meat is fork-tender. If so, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing or shredding — this step ensures juiciness!
Finally, serve up that gorgeous apple cider braised pork shoulder alongside your favorite sides! And just like that, dinner is served!
Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments from family and friends who will undoubtedly be begging for this recipe once they taste this delightful meal!
You Must Know
- The secret to apple cider braised pork shoulder lies in the balance of flavors
- Using fresh apples and quality cider enhances the dish’s sweetness, making it a comforting family favorite
- The aroma while cooking is pure bliss, drawing everyone to the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the pork shoulder first for a golden crust, then slowly braise it in apple cider for tenderness. This sequence locks in flavor and ensures juicy results.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra depth. You can also swap out apple cider for hard cider for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple cider braised pork shoulder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on medium-low heat to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, always use bone-in pork shoulder; it adds flavor and moisture
- Allow the meat to rest before slicing, ensuring juiciness in every bite
- Don’t rush the braising process; low and slow leads to tender perfection
Sharing this dish reminds me of last Thanksgiving when my family couldn’t stop raving about it. They insisted I make it every holiday, sealing its place as a cherished tradition.
FAQ
What type of pork should I use for apple cider braised pork shoulder?
Use bone-in pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness during cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better when made a day ahead; flavors meld beautifully overnight.
How do I serve apple cider braised pork shoulder?
Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Experience the cozy flavors of autumn with this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. Tender, juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a rich blend of apple cider, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its delightful taste and inviting aroma.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder
- 1 cup unfiltered apple cider
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides until golden.
- Remove the pork from the pot and set aside. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the pork shoulder to the pot along with fresh thyme sprigs. Cover tightly and braise in the oven for about 3 hours or until fork-tender.
- Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
