This Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a cozy dish that mixes tender pork with sweet apple cider. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a chilly evening!
After cooking, the pork is so soft it almost falls apart. I love serving it with mashed potatoes, soaking up all that yummy cider sauce—simply comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish! Bone-in gives more flavor, but boneless is fine too for easier slicing. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could try pork loin, although it won’t be quite as tender.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened apple cider adds depth and a natural sweetness. If you can’t find it, plain apple juice works as a substitute, but it might be a bit sweeter, so adjust sugar levels accordingly.
Onion: Yellow onions are my go-to for their sweetness and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions or red onions also work. Just keep in mind that they may alter the final taste slightly.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can add a sweeter touch. Feel free to mix a variety of apples for a balanced flavor!
How Do I Get the Pork Shoulder to Be Tender?
The key to perfectly tender pork shoulder is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to achieve that:
- First, sear the meat well. This develops flavor and locks in the juices. Don’t rush this step!
- Slow braising in a covered pot keeps moisture in. Always check it’s covered well, and add more liquid if it looks dry.
- Cook low and slow in the oven at 325°F for 3 to 3½ hours. If you can, use a meat thermometer—when it reaches about 190°F, it will be melt-in-your-mouth tender!
Don’t forget to let the pork rest a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for extra savoriness!
Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness balance)
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, the pork will braise in the oven for 3 to 3½ hours. Perfect for an afternoon at home while the delicious smells fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for roasting the pork shoulder.
2. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
Generously season the entire pork shoulder with salt and freshly ground black pepper so it’s well-flavored.
3. Sear the Pork:
In a large, heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This adds great flavor! Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
4. Cook the Onions:
Now, add the sliced onion to the pot. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and starting to caramelize.
5. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell wonderful!
6. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits add extra flavor!
7. Add Herbs and Sweetener:
Stir in the thyme, bay leaves, and brown sugar (if using). The sugar balances the acidity in the cider nicely.
8. Add the Pork and Apples:
Gently return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, placing it into the liquid. Arrange the sliced apples around the pork for sweetness and flavor.
9. Braise the Pork:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 to 3½ hours. It should be very tender and fall apart easily—just what we want!
10. Finishing Up:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the pork shoulder to a serving platter.
11. Make a Sauce:
Discard the bay leaves. If you like, you can simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop to reduce and thicken into a delicious sauce.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice or shred the pork and serve it with the apples and sauce drizzled over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender apple cider braised pork shoulder!
FAQ for Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for braising due to its tenderness, you can also use pork loin or pork belly. Just keep in mind that they may require different cooking times and may not be as tender when finished.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If you can’t find unsweetened apple cider, apple juice is a solid alternative. It will be sweeter, so you might want to reduce any added sugars. For a more complex flavor, consider using a mix of apple juice and chicken broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked pork shoulder for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the pork shoulder and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours until the pork is tender.
