There’s something truly magical about the days when the air turns crisp, and the leaves transform into brilliant shades of red and gold. It’s during this splendid season that I found myself drawn to the comforting creation of Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. I remember one particular autumn evening when I had friends over, and the aroma of this dish simmering in the oven filled my home. As laughter echoed around the kitchen, we shared stories of thanksgiving past while preparing for the feast. That night, every bite of succulent pork drizzled in sweet and tangy apple cider made it clear: this recipe was destined for my go-to collection.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 20 minutes
- Active Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 4 hours (mostly hands-off)
- Portion Size: Serves 6-8
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approx. 385
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fats: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Sodium: 550mg
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Picture this: a hearty piece of pork shoulder braised until it’s fork-tender, embraced by a comforting blend of sweet apple cider and aromatic herbs. This dish is not just food; it’s a cozy hug on a plate. The contrast of the savory flavors with the slightly sweet cider creates an unforgettable taste. Plus, it’s a perfect way to showcase seasonal ingredients, celebrating the harvest right from your kitchen.
The Complete Cooking Journey
From prepping the ingredients to feeling the warmth of slow cooking, each step brings you closer to that delicious dinner. As the pork braises, trust me, you’ll know that anticipation is the best seasoning, as the sweet smell wafts through your home, beckoning everyone to the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 bay leaf
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). This gentle temperature is key to ensuring your pork shoulder becomes beautifully tender.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
Season the pork shoulder liberally with salt and pepper. Carefully place it in the hot oil and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in those savory flavors!
Step 4: Remove the Pork
Once seared, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside on a plate. We’ll bring it back into the mix shortly.
Step 5: Sauté the Onion
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft.
Step 6: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. You’ll want your kitchen to smell irresistibly good at this point!
Step 7: Deglaze with Apple Cider
Pour in the apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. This will lift all those tasty browned bits into the braising liquid.
Step 8: Mix in the Aromatics
Stir in the thyme, Dijon mustard, and the bay leaf. These ingredients work together to create a flavor profile that’s warm and inviting.
Step 9: Combine with Pork
Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the flavorful liquid.
Step 10: Cover and Braise
Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Let it braise for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and practically falling apart.
Step 11: Remove and Rest
Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Step 12: Slice and Serve
Slice the pork shoulder and serve it with the braising liquid drizzled over the top. For an extra touch, spoon some of those delicious onions over the meat.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder shines when served alongside buttery mashed potatoes or a fresh seasonal salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with homemade applesauce to complement the dish’s flavors, or pair it with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this braised pork for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Get the Best Cider: Opt for high-quality apple cider; it lays the foundation for the flavor.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a depth of flavor that’s essential.
- Quality Cookware: A heavy Dutch oven is invaluable for even cooking.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
For a twist, experiment by adding a splash of bourbon or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for smokiness. Feel free to swap out thyme for rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- What if my pork isn’t fork-tender? It may need more time in the oven! Braising is all about low and slow.
- Can I use a different cut of pork? Absolutely! Cuts like pork belly or loin can also work, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- What if I don’t have apple cider? Try using chicken broth with a splash of apple juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Can this be made in a slow cooker? Yes! Sear the pork first, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
- How can I thicken the sauce? After cooking, remove the pork and bring the sauce to a simmer, then whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Wrapping Up
Cooking this delightful Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder isn’t just about preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories around the table. Embrace the comforting aroma and flavors as they fill your home. I hope this recipe becomes a treasured part of your culinary repertoire, just as it has for me. So gather your loved ones, pour a glass of your favorite cider, and dig into this deliciously tender dish. Happy cooking!
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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting dish of pork shoulder braised in sweet apple cider and aromatic herbs, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then sear in hot oil on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
- Stir in thyme, Dijon mustard, and bay leaf.
- Return the pork to the pot, nestled in the liquid.
- Cover and transfer to the oven, braising for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Slice and serve with the braising liquid drizzled over the top.
Notes
For the best flavor, use high-quality apple cider and don’t skip the searing step.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
