This Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a mouthwatering dish! The pork becomes super soft and juicy as it cooks slowly in apple cider, making it a delightful comfort food.
There’s something magical about the sweet smell of apple cider wafting through the kitchen. It makes me happy, and I just can’t resist serving it with some warm bread to soak up all the tasty juices!
Honestly, I love how easy it is to throw everything in a pot and let it do its thing. Perfect for impressing friends without spending all day in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for braising due to its fat content, which helps keep the meat tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless pork loin can work, but it may not be as juicy.
Apple Cider: Fresh, unsweetened apple cider is the best choice for depth of flavor. If unavailable, you can use apple juice or even white wine with a bit of apple flavoring added. Just know it won’t have the same richness.
Onions: I recommend using yellow onions for a sweet base flavor. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, are also great. If you want a bolder taste, you can try red onions, but they will alter the dish’s color a bit.
Herbs: Dried herbs work well, but I love using fresh thyme and rosemary for a vibrant taste. If you only have dried herbs on hand, just use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sear for the Pork?
The searing process is key to building flavor in this dish. Start with a hot pan and make sure your pork is dry before seasoning. Here’s how you can get that perfect browning:
- Heat your oil until it shimmers but isn’t smoking.
- Place the pork shoulder in the pan without crowding to allow proper breathing space.
- Let it cook without moving it for 4-5 minutes until a crust forms, then flip and repeat on all sides.
This caramelization adds a depth of flavor to your braising liquid. Take your time здесь, as a good sear is essential!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
After braising, if your sauce is a bit thin, you can reduce it by simmering it on the stove. Here’s how:
- Remove bay leaves and herb sprigs to keep the sauce clean.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let it cook down for about 10 minutes.
- For an even thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering liquid.
This will create a luscious sauce perfect for spooning over the shredded pork. Enjoy your meal!
Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Braising Liquid:
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably fresh, unsweetened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 2 apples, cored and sliced (for extra apple flavor and texture)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 3 to 4 hours for braising in the oven. So, you can expect to spend a total of about 4 to 4.5 hours to prepare this delicious meal. The good news is that most of that time is hands-off while the dish cooks in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to put the pork shoulder in!
2. Prepare the Pork:
Take the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear. Generously season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
3. Sear the Pork:
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or a heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the pork shoulder in the pan. Sear it on all sides until it’s deeply browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. When done, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Add the sliced onions to the pot where you seared the pork. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and starting to caramelize. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn.
5. Mix in the Liquids and Spices:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this adds great flavor!
6. Add Optional Apples:
If you’re using them, now is the time to add the apple slices to the pot for extra sweetness and flavor.
7. Return the Pork to the Pot:
Nestle the pork shoulder back into the pot, surrounded by the onions and apples. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the pork. If it doesn’t, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water.
8. Braise in the Oven:
Cover the pot with a lid and carefully transfer it to the oven. Braise for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and can be easily shredded.
9. Rest the Pork:
Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and transfer the pork shoulder to a cutting board or platter. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the meat!
10. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pork is resting, place the pot back on the stove over medium heat. Remove the bay leaves and any thyme/rosemary sprigs. Simmer the braising liquid for about 10 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly into a tasty sauce.
11. Serve:
Slice or shred the pork shoulder and serve it with the braised onions, apples, and the rich sauce spooned over the top.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your dish for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
FAQ for Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for braising due to its fat content, you can also use pork loin or even beef chuck. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and you should adjust them accordingly to achieve tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If you don’t have access to apple cider, you can use unsweetened apple juice or even white wine mixed with a little apple flavoring. However, the taste will be slightly different, so fresh apple cider is recommended for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day! Just reheat gently before serving.
