Savory Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe for Fall Feasts

Crafting a mouthwatering apple cider braised pork shoulder brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Juicy meat practically melts when slow-cooked with sweet and tangy liquid.

Autumn’s favorite beverage transforms an ordinary cut into something extraordinary.

Tender layers of flavor develop as the pork simmers gently in rich, spiced cider.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices complement the meat’s natural richness.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact in this simple yet impressive dish.

We promise this recipe will become a new staple in your cooking collection.

Storage Advice For Braised Pork Shoulder

• Store leftover pork in an airtight container with braising liquid for up to 4 days. Cover completely to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled pork and liquid to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pork in baking dish, add reserved braising liquid to cover bottom. Cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place pork in microwave-safe dish, add small amount of braising liquid. Cover and heat on 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What cuts of pork work best for braising?

Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal because they have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful during slow cooking. These cuts break down beautifully when braised, creating succulent meat that falls apart easily.

• How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and becomes fork-tender. You should be able to easily pull the meat apart with a fork, and it will have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture after braising for several hours.

• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the meat first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the braising liquid.

Why Braised Pork Shoulder Impresses

• Unleash Robust Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering culinary experience with a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying meal packed with incredible taste combinations.
• Master Hands-Off Cooking: Embrace the beauty of braising, where minimal active preparation meets maximum flavor development through slow, gentle oven cooking that requires little intervention.
• Create Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, this dish adapts beautifully to different occasions and guarantees impressive results with minimal kitchen stress.
• Celebrate Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate autumn's bounty by using fresh apples and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that captures the warmth and comfort of seasonal cooking with minimal fuss.

Ingredients For Apple Cider Pork Shoulder

• Pork Shoulder: A flavorful and tender cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious when braised slowly.

• Apple Cider, Chicken Stock or Broth: Provides moisture and deep flavor to the pork during slow cooking.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy complexity to the braising liquid.
• Dehydrated Minced Onion: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the pork.
• Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme: Fragrant herbs that infuse the meat with a classic, earthy aroma.
• Whole Garlic Head: Roasts to a sweet, mellow flavor that enriches the braising liquid.

• Yellow Onions, Apples: Add sweetness and texture to the final dish. Firm, slightly tart apples work best.

• Neutral Cooking Oil: Used for searing the pork to develop a rich, brown crust.
• Kitchen Twine: Helps bundle the herbs for easy removal after cooking.
• Paper Towel: Used for drying the pork before seasoning and searing.

Step-By-Step Pork Shoulder Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect warm environment for slow-cooking the pork.

Step 2: Trim and Prepare Pork

Remove excess fat from the pork shoulder.

Cut the meat into four large pieces or keep it whole if bone-in.

This helps ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Thoroughly dry the pork pieces using paper towels.

Generously coat the entire surface with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring deep flavor penetration.

Step 4: Sear the Pork

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Carefully place pork pieces in a single layer and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until a rich, deep brown crust forms.

Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Prepare Braising Liquid

• Apple cider
• Stock or broth
• Dijon mustard
• Dehydrated minced onion

Tie rosemary and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine to create an herb bundle.

Step 6: Begin Braising

Pour the prepared braising liquid into the Dutch oven.

Add the herb bundle and a whole garlic head.

Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.

Step 7: Slow Cook the Pork

Braise for approximately 3 hours.

Check tenderness around 2.5 hours.

Flip the pork halfway through cooking.

• Whole onions
• Apples

Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until the meat becomes incredibly tender.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove pork from the oven and let it rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes.

Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the broth.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Spoon juices over the pork, apples, and onions when serving.

Tips For Tender Braised Pork Shoulder

• Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner flavor profile.
• Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for optimal texture and balanced sweetness in the braising liquid.
• Brown the pork thoroughly on all sides to develop a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Whisk apple cider, stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated onion together for a complex, well-rounded braising sauce.
• Allow the pork to rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes to ensure maximum tenderness and absorb additional flavors before serving.

Flavor Twists For Braised Pork Shoulder

• Cidery Cider Swap: Replace apple cider with pear cider for a delicate, lighter flavor profile that complements the pork's richness.
• Herb Garden Variation: Substitute rosemary and thyme with sage and oregano for an earthy, Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free chicken or vegetable stock instead of traditional broth to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Slow Cooker Option: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after searing the pork, cooking on low for 6-8 hours until meat becomes tender and falls apart easily.

Best Pairings For Pork Shoulder

• Rustic Farmhouse Feast: Serve the tender pork on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted apples and caramelized onions for a stunning centerpiece.
• Comfort Plate Companions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery roasted root vegetables, or a hearty wild rice pilaf to soak up the rich braising liquid.
• Cozy Family-Style Presentation: Break the pork into large chunks directly at the table, letting guests spoon the fragrant juices and soft garlic cloves over their portions for a interactive dining experience.
• Weekend Gathering Twist: Transform leftovers into pulled pork sandwiches with a quick apple slaw, or shred meat into a hearty autumn salad with crisp greens and toasted nuts.

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder delivers rich, hearty flavors that promise comfort in every bite. Slow-cooked until tender with aromatic spices, this dish brings warmth to your table and delights your senses with its deep, complex profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kilograms) pork shoulder roast or Boston butt roast

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 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 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Liquids and Produce:

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh apple cider
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken stock or broth
• 2 firm and slightly tart apples (peeled and cut into wedges)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F, preparing for a slow-cooking method that will transform the pork shoulder into a tender, flavorful dish.
2. Examine the pork shoulder, removing any excessive external fat. Cut into large sections or maintain whole if bone-in, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
3. Thoroughly dry the meat using paper towels, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully place pork pieces, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until a deep, caramelized brown crust forms. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
5. Prepare the braising liquid by whisking apple cider, stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated onion together. Create a herb bundle using kitchen twine to bind rosemary and thyme sprigs.
6. After complete searing, pour the prepared liquid into the Dutch oven. Nestle the herb bundle and whole garlic head among the pork pieces, ensuring even distribution.
7. Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for approximately 3 hours, rotating meat halfway through cooking time. Begin checking tenderness around 2.5 hours.
8. When pork approaches fork-tender consistency, arrange sliced onions and apples around the meat. Return to oven, covered, for an additional 30-45 minutes until meat is exceptionally tender.
9. Allow the pork to rest in braising liquid for 30 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves directly into the broth.
10. Taste and adjust braising liquid seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve pork accompanied by apples and onions, generously spooning the rich, aromatic cooking liquid over the top.

Notes

• Select fatty pork shoulder cuts for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring succulent meat that falls apart easily during braising.
• Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady to maintain texture and provide balanced acidity during slow cooking.
• Trim excess fat strategically to prevent overly greasy results, but retain enough to keep meat moist and develop rich flavor profiles.
• Consider using bone-in pork shoulder for enhanced depth of taste and natural gelatin release during extended braising process.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg