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Perfect Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe You’ll Love

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A cozy and flavorful dish featuring tender pork shoulder braised in sweet and tangy apple cider, perfect for gatherings or Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pounds pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless
  • 2 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 large onions, sliced thinly
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
  7. Add the sliced apples, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
  8. Place the pork shoulder back into the pot, nestling it into the liquid and vegetables.
  9. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise for 3-3.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t evaporated (add more broth if needed).
  10. Once the pork is fork-tender, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing.

Notes

[‘Searing the pork locks in juices and adds flavor.’, ‘Scrape the pot thoroughly after adding liquids to incorporate browned bits.’, ‘Braising at a lower temperature ensures the pork stays juicy and tender.’, ‘Taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or add a splash of vinegar if needed.’, ‘Use leftover sauce as a base for gravy or drizzle over mashed potatoes.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, braised pork, fall recipe, comfort food, pork shoulder recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/perfect-apple-cider-braised-pork-shoulder-recipe-youll-love/