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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Fall Evenings

Enjoy this comforting Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder, a delicious one-pot meal perfect for autumn gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 4-5 lb Pork Shoulder Bone-in enhances flavor
For the Cooking Base
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil Vegetable or canola oils work well
  • 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider Choose pure apple cider, not vinegar
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock or Broth Vegetable broth is a lighter alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Use yellow mustard if needed
  • 1 tablespoon Dehydrated Minced Onion Fresh onion is a substitute if desired
For Flavoring
  • 1 head Garlic Sliced
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Dried rosemary can be used
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme Dried thyme is also an option
For the Extras
  • 1 Red Onion Thickly sliced; swap with yellow onion if preferred
  • 2 Firm, Tart Apples Peeled and wedged; Honeycrisp or Gala recommended
  • Kosher Salt Season generously to taste
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Season generously to taste

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and cut into 4 large pieces if boneless. Pat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and minced onion in a bowl.
  5. Pour braising liquid over the pork, add rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Cover and transfer to the oven; braise for about 3 hours.
  6. After 3 hours, add red onion and apples around the pork. Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes until tender.
  7. Remove from oven and let pork rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use bone-in pork for more flavor and spend time searing for better caramelization. Always use fresh apple cider for best results.

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