Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Apple cider braised pork shoulder is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish packed with the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Slow-cooked with sweet apple cider, onions, and herbs, this hearty meal is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a festive occasion.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

4-5 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium apples, cored and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
2 cups apple cider
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Prepare the Pork:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Pork:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Stir in the Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Assemble for Braising:
- Add the sliced apples to the pot and place the seared pork shoulder on top. Cover with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
Braise in the Oven:
- Transfer the pot to the oven and braise for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve with the apples, onions, and braising liquid spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Use Fresh Apple Cider: Avoid apple cider vinegar; fresh cider gives the dish its sweet, rich flavor.
Check Liquid Levels: If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add more broth or cider to prevent the pork from drying out.
Add Vegetables: Toss in carrots, parsnips, or potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours for equally tender results.