Description
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is the ultimate comfort food that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This one-pot wonder features succulent pork shoulder slow-cooked in a rich blend of fresh apple cider, tender apples, and aromatic herbs. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or festive gatherings. With minimal cleanup and simple preparation steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices, and watch your loved ones come back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lb pork shoulder roast
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off opposite of the root end
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 red onion, cut into thick slices
- 2 firm apples, peeled and cut into wedges
- kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Trim excess fat from pork and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear pork in a Dutch oven until browned on all sides.
- Whisk together cider, chicken stock, mustard, and onion; pour over pork.
- Add herb bundle and garlic; cover and braise in the oven for about three hours.
- Add sliced onion and apples; cover and bake for another 30-45 minutes until tender.
- Let rest for 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg