Description
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tender pork with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider. This slow-cooked delight results in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat surrounded by a flavorful sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. With minimal effort, you can create a warm, inviting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered)
- 2 medium sweet onions (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots (chopped)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping onions and carrots.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- Remove the pork and sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
- Deglaze the pot with apple cider, scraping up brown bits from the bottom.
- Return the pork to the pot, adding carrots, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Ensure everything is submerged.
- Cover and reduce heat to low or transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Braise for about 3 hours or until fork-tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg