Succulent Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe for Fall

My recent apple cider braised pork shoulder adventure started with a surprising kitchen experiment that transformed an ordinary weekend meal.

Crisp autumn afternoons inspire warm, comforting dishes that wrap you in delicious memories.

Local farmers market apples whispered their sweet potential into this rich, tender recipe.

Slow cooking allows complex flavors to mingle and develop remarkable depth.

Robust pork shoulder becomes magnificently succulent when bathed in spiced apple cider.

Each bite promises a symphony of sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Why Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe Is Rich and Tender

• Conquer Complex Cooking: This recipe transforms a challenging cut of meat into a tender, mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies hungry crowds.
• Create One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation make this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Celebrate Seasonal Ingredients: Apple cider and fresh herbs blend perfectly to create a dish that captures the warm, cozy essence of autumn cooking.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

• Pork Shoulder: A flavorful and tender cut perfect for slow braising and creating melt-in-your-mouth meat.

• Apple Cider, Chicken Stock: A combination that creates a rich and aromatic base for braising the pork.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to enhance the braising liquid.
• Dehydrated Minced Onion: Provides additional depth and savory notes to the braising sauce.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs that infuse the pork with classic earthy and aromatic flavors.
• Garlic Head: Roasts to a sweet and mellow flavor, adding complexity to the dish.

• Onions, Apples: Add sweetness and texture to complement the rich braised pork.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the pork.
• Neutral Oil: Used for searing the pork and creating a flavorful golden-brown crust.

Instructions for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F (163°C) and get ready for a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Step 2: Prepare The Meat

• Pork shoulder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Trim away excess fat and slice the pork into generous chunks. Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper all over the surface, ensuring every inch gets seasoned.

Step 3: Create Golden Edges

Heat neutral oil in a hefty Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear each pork piece until deep golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Work in batches if your pot feels crowded.

Step 4: Mix Magical Liquid

• Apple cider
• Chicken stock
• Dijon mustard
• Dehydrated minced onion
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Whisk all liquid ingredients together in a bowl. Tie herb sprigs into a neat bundle using kitchen twine.

Step 5: Start The Braising Process

Pour the prepared liquid into the Dutch oven surrounding the seared pork. Tuck the herb bundle and a whole garlic head (cut side down) into the pot.

Step 6: Slow Roast To Perfection

Cover the pot and slide into the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3 hours, flipping meat halfway through. Check tenderness around 2.5 hours for boneless cuts.

Step 7: Introduce Fruity Friends

• Sliced onions
• Apple wedges

When pork becomes nearly fork-tender, nestle onions and apple pieces around the meat. Return to oven, covered, for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let pork relax in braising liquid for 30 minutes. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the broth for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning. Plate the succulent pork with apples and onions, generously drizzling the incredible braising liquid on top.

Pro Tips for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

• Trim Fat Smartly: Remove large fat caps but keep some for moisture and flavor, ensuring a perfectly balanced, juicy pork shoulder.
• Sear for Deep Flavor: Brown the meat thoroughly in batches to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in delicious taste and creates complex flavor layers.
• Check Tenderness Early: Test the pork's doneness around 2.5 hours by checking if it easily pulls apart with a fork, preventing overcooking and maintaining optimal texture.
• Balance Liquid Levels: Ensure braising liquid covers about two-thirds of the meat, allowing proper moisture and preventing dryness during slow cooking.
• Boost Garlic Depth: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves directly into the braising liquid before serving to enhance the overall richness and complexity of the dish.

Variation Ideas for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

• Cider Swap Variation: Replace apple cider with pear or cranberry juice for a different fruity undertone, maintaining the braising technique and overall cooking method.
• Herb Alternative: Substitute rosemary and thyme with sage and marjoram to create a unique flavor profile while keeping the slow-cooking process intact.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add chipotle peppers or smoked paprika to the braising liquid for a smoky, spicy rendition that enhances the pork's richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the apples and use low-carb vegetables like turnips or radishes to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the recipe's core cooking technique.

Pairing Suggestions for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, savory pork and cuts through its fatty texture with bold tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Craft Hard Apple Cider Companion: Choose a dry, artisanal hard apple cider that echoes the recipe's apple cider braising liquid, enhancing the dish's natural sweetness and providing a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.
• Rustic Bread Side: Serve crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the flavorful braising liquid, adding textural contrast and allowing diners to enjoy every delicious drop of the sauce.

Storage Advice for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

• Store leftover pork in an airtight container with braising liquid for up to 4 days. Keep the meat submerged to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Pack cooled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place pork in a baking dish, add reserved braising liquid, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer pork to a microwave-safe dish, add some braising liquid, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs on Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with beef chuck roast or lamb shoulder. The cooking method and braising liquid will work well with these alternative cuts.

• How can I make the pork more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a spice rub to the pork before searing or using hard apple cider instead of regular apple cider for a more intense taste.

• Is it necessary to sear the meat before braising?

Searing creates a delicious caramelized exterior and helps develop deeper flavor compounds. While not absolutely essential, it significantly improves the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 45 1x

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Description

Succulent apple cider braised pork shoulder delivers mouthwatering flavors straight from rustic farmhouse kitchens. Tender meat falls apart with rich, caramelized notes that invite hearty comfort and culinary delight you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4.5 lb (2 kg) pork shoulder roast or Boston butt roast

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 3 rosemary sprigs
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
• 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
• 1 red onion, thickly sliced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (473 ml) fresh apple cider
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock or broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 2 firm and slightly tart apples, peeled and cut into wedges
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 325F (163C) for a slow, gentle cooking process.
2. Carefully trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, cutting into large manageable pieces. Thoroughly pat dry using paper towels and season with robust kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Heat neutral oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high temperature. Sear pork pieces until developing a deep golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Combine apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion in a mixing bowl. Create a fragrant herb bundle by tying rosemary and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine.
5. Pour prepared braising liquid into the Dutch oven after searing. Add herb bundle and whole garlic head (cut side facing down). Securely cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Transfer covered Dutch oven to preheated oven. Braise the pork for approximately 3 hours, carefully turning meat pieces midway through cooking. Test for tenderness around 2.5 hours if using boneless cut.
7. When pork approaches fork-tender consistency, carefully remove from oven. Distribute sliced onions and apple wedges around the meat. Return covered pot to oven for an additional 30-45 minutes until meat becomes completely tender.
8. Extract Dutch oven from oven and allow pork to rest in braising liquid for 30 minutes. Gently squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the broth, enhancing overall flavor complexity. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve pork accompanied by caramelized apples and onions, generously drizzling rich braising liquid overtop.

Notes

• Choose bone-in pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness, as the bone helps retain moisture during the long braising process.
• Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in deep, rich flavors.
• Adjust cooking time based on meat size – boneless cuts might cook faster than bone-in shoulders, so start checking tenderness around 2.5 hours.
• Use fresh, crisp apple cider for the best braising liquid, preferably local or freshly pressed for a more vibrant and authentic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 45
• Calories: 273
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg