A Cozy Dinner Delight
Hey there, friend! If you love the comforting aroma of a delicious meal wafting through your home, you’re in for a treat today! I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. This dish not only brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness but also wraps you in flavors that are perfect for family gatherings or even a cozy night in. Let’s cook up some joy!
The Joy of Cooking with Apple Cider
What I love about this recipe is that the apple cider not only imparts a lovely sweetness but also helps to tenderize the pork, making it super juicy and flavorful. Plus, the combination of apples, onions, and aromatic herbs create a dish that feels like a warm hug! And let’s not forget the health benefits of using fresh ingredients—like apples, which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber!
Adaptable Variations to Consider
Feel free to make this dish your own! Here are some ideas:
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
- Herb Swap: Don’t have thyme? No worries! Sage or rosemary work beautifully as alternatives.
- Pork Alternative: This recipe can also work with beef, like a chuck roast, if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Vegetarian Version: For a veggie twist, try braising root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips in apple cider for a hearty meal!
Deliciously Easy Recipe for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 3 cups apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), cored and quartered
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Let’s get this cooking adventure started!
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, and sprinkle it generously with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and allspice (if you’re using it). This helps kickstart the flavor!
- In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once that’s done, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Seriously, the smell is already amazing!
- In the same pot, toss in the red onion wedges and let them sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until that heavenly garlic aroma fills your kitchen.
- Now, stir in either brown sugar or maple syrup. Pour in the apple cider to deglaze the pot, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. This step is the secret to making your sauce flavorful.
- Add the chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and give it a splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard if you want that extra layer of flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Time to return the pork shoulder to its cozy pot! Nestle those quartered apples around it and spoon some of the liquid over the top to keep everything moist!
- Cover the pot with a lid, and pop it in the preheated oven. Braise for about 3 to 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender—oh my goodness, I can’t wait for you to taste this!
- Once it’s ready, remove the pork and apples from the pot and set them aside. Discard the thyme sprigs, and skim off the excess fat from the braising liquid. Reduce this liquid over medium-high heat on the stovetop for about 10-15 minutes to thicken it up.
- Next, shred the pork using two forks and mix it back into the pot with the reduced sauce and apples to mingle those tastes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Wow, you’re doing amazing!
- Transfer everything to a serving dish, garnish with some fresh thyme sprigs, and serve hot. Your home is going to smell incredible!
Practical Tips for Storage and Serving
- If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the braised pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This dish freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the pork.
Equipment Needed
Before we start, let’s gather our cooking tools:
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sharp knife for prep work
- A cutting board
- Tongs for handling the pork shoulder
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Follow the steps to sear the pork, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- What if I don’t have fresh thyme? You can use dried thyme—just use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- How do I know when the pork is tender? You should be able to easily shred it with two forks. That’s your sign it’s ready!
- Can I adjust the sweetness? Yes! You can use less brown sugar or syrup, or replace them with honey if you prefer.
- What should I serve with the braised pork? Try it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a crisp salad to balance the meal!
I can’t wait for you to try this warming deliciousness at home! After you make it, why not take a picture and share it with me on Pinterest? I’d love to see how your Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder turns out. Happy cooking!
