This tasty dish features tender pork shoulder cooked slowly in sweet apple cider. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a hit for family dinners!
Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for braising due to its fat content, which keeps it moist. If you can’t find pork shoulder, a pork butt works great too. Both cuts will be juicy and tender after long cooking.
Apple Cider: Use pure apple cider for that sweet and rich flavor. If unavailable, a mix of apple juice and a little vinegar can work in a pinch. However, it’ll lack that depth that cider brings!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth adds the best flavor, but store-bought is just fine. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a lighter taste or if you’re keeping it plant-based.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is always a favorite, but dried thyme works just as well. If you have no thyme, rosemary can be an excellent alternative for a different flavor twist.
Onion and Garlic: Yellow onions are my go-to for their sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, shallots can substitute for both the onion and garlic because they bring in great flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Tender Pork?
The key to tender pork shoulder is the low and slow cooking technique. Braising allows the meat to absorb all the flavors while breaking down tough fibers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pat the pork dry to ensure a nice sear. This builds flavor.
- Don’t rush the braising time! Keep it covered in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours, checking occasionally.
- If you can, let the pork rest after cooking. This step helps retain those tasty juices.
- For a saucier dish, skim some fat off and reduce the cooking liquid to thicken it up.
With these tips, you’ll achieve a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 2 apples, cored and sliced (for extra apple flavor and garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 3 to 3.5 hours of braising in the oven. The low and slow cooking process makes the pork incredibly tender and flavorful, creating a wonderful meal perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While that’s heating, pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps with browning. Generously season it with salt and pepper all over.
2. Sear the Pork:
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it is nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. After searing, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add your sliced onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Braising Liquid:
Next, pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar into the pot. Make sure to stir it well to deglaze—this means scraping any delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pot, which adds great flavor!
5. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, and bay leaves. These ingredients will enhance the rich flavor of your dish.
6. Combine Pork and Liquid:
Now, return the pork shoulder back into the pot, nestling it in the flavorful liquid. If you’re using them, add the sliced apples around the pork for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Braise in the Oven:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it into your preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 to 3.5 hours. You’ll know it’s done once the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
8. Rest and Prepare Sauce:
Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can skim off some fat from the cooking liquid and reduce it over medium heat on the stovetop until it thickens slightly.
9. Serve:
Finally, shred or slice the pork shoulder and serve it with the apple cider sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder! This dish is perfect for gatherings or just a comforting meal at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for braising due to its fat content, you can also use pork butt or even pork loin, although pork loin may be less tender since it has less fat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you can’t find apple cider, you can use a mix of apple juice and a splash of vinegar to mimic that tangy flavor. For a different twist, try using a fruit juice like pear or even white wine as a substitute.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can braise the pork shoulder a day ahead of time. Once it cools, refrigerate it in the cooking liquid. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of liquid if necessary to prevent drying out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure to add a bit of moisture if the pork seems dry.
