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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

A plate of tender apple cider braised pork shoulder served with cubed potatoes in a rich sauce.
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A tender, flavorful pork shoulder slow-cooked in apple cider with aromatic vegetables and herbs, perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 apples, cored and quartered

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season 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 deeply browned. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  7. Return the pork shoulder to the Dutch oven. Add the bay leaves and the quartered apples.
  8. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid.
  9. Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and braise for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  10. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Skim any excess fat from the braising liquid.
  11. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.
  12. Serve hot, spooning the braising liquid over the pork.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon to the braising liquid.
  • This dish is excellent for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Consider this a great option for holiday meals or a comforting fall dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/apple-cider-braised-pork-shoulder-recipe/