Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a heartwarming dish that combines tender, slow-cooked pork with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider. The result is a flavorful masterpiece perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can impress your guests while enjoying the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the pork to the pot and add chicken broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and carrots if using. Ensure the pork is mostly submerged.
- Cover and braise in the oven for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider substituting apple cider with hard cider or adding a splash of bourbon. Fresh herbs like rosemary can also enhance this dish beautifully. Let the pork rest before slicing to retain its juices.