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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Apple Cider Braised Shoulder is a cozy fall dish featuring tender meat simmered in sweet apple cider and aromatic spices, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder
  • 2 cups fresh unfiltered apple cider
  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Prepare the Pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Sear It Good: In a large Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. Add Aromatics: Remove the pork from the pot. In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about three minutes.
  5. Mix It Up: Return the pork to the pot and pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and add thyme. Stir well to combine.
  6. Let It Braise: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in your preheated oven. Allow it to braise for about three hours or until fork-tender.
  7. Serve: Transfer the pork to plates and drizzle with sauce before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 6 oz of cooked pork with sauce
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: For added sweetness, consider adding sliced apples or swapping herbs based on your preference. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.