Irresistible Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

It’s that time of year when the air turns crisp, the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, and the irresistible scent of Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder wafts through the kitchen, making you feel like a culinary wizard. Imagine succulent pork shoulder slowly braised in sweet apple cider, herbs, and spices, creating a dish so delicious it practically sings to your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering or just want to impress your family during dinner, this dish is your golden ticket.

As I recall my first attempt at this recipe, I was blissfully unaware that my kitchen would soon resemble a food war zone. With apple cider splattering on the walls and an overly enthusiastic dog eyeing the pork like it was the last piece of bacon on Earth, it was chaos. But trust me when I say, the end result was worth every second of madness! Perfect for Sunday dinners or any occasion that calls for comfort food, this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder will have everyone asking for seconds and possibly thirds.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut is essential for tenderness; about 4-5 pounds will do nicely.
• Apple Cider: Opt for fresh cider without preservatives for vibrant flavor and sweetness.
• Onions: Two medium onions add depth; slice them thinly to ensure they melt into the sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic bring aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme elevates the dish with its earthy aroma; dried works in a pinch.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to balance flavors without overpowering the sweetness of the cider.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those glorious flavors.

For additional flavor:

• Bay Leaves: Add two leaves during cooking for a subtle herbal note.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Pork

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in those juices!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Remove the pork from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, toss in sliced onions and sauté until they soften—around five minutes should do it. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Liquid Gold

Pour in about four cups of apple cider along with one cup of chicken broth. Stir in fresh thyme and bay leaves while scraping up any delicious brown bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 5: Braise Away

Return the seared pork shoulder back into the pot, cover it tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, then transfer it into your preheated oven. Let it braise low and slow for approximately three hours or until fork-tender.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once done cooking, carefully remove from oven (it’s going to be hot!) and let rest for about ten minutes before slicing or shredding. Transfer to plates alongside some of that magical sauce drizzled over top—trust me; no one can resist!

Now that you have mastered this sumptuous Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe, get ready to bask in compliments as you serve up this flavorful feast!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the pork shoulder to lock in those juices, then caramelize onions while the meat browns. Pour in your apple cider and herbs before covering and braising until fork-tender. This sequence ensures maximum flavor without chaos in your kitchen.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out apple cider for hard cider or even a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. Add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for extra heartiness, or sprinkle some fresh thyme for that gourmet touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cider if needed to keep it moist and flavorful.

It was my cousin’s wedding when I first made this dish. Everyone raved about how tender and flavorful it was. Little did I know that would lead to my unofficial title as “Pork Whisperer” among family gatherings!

FAQs :

What is Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder?

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a delicious dish where a pork shoulder is slowly cooked in apple cider along with spices and aromatics. The slow braising process tenderizes the meat, allowing it to soak up the sweet and tangy flavors of the cider. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, as it offers a comforting and hearty meal that pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

How long does it take to make Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder?

Making Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. This includes preparation time and cooking time. The key to achieving tender meat lies in the slow braising process. While it may take some time, the result is well worth the wait as the flavors deepen over the cooking period, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

While this recipe specifically calls for pork shoulder, you can experiment with other meats such as beef chuck or chicken thighs. Each type of meat will bring its own unique flavor profile, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Ensure that you adjust your cooking time according to the size and type of meat you choose to maintain tenderness and flavor integrity.

What sides pair well with Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder?

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or sautéed greens for a balanced meal. Additionally, crusty bread or rolls can be great for soaking up the flavorful sauce. These sides complement the sweetness of the cider while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Conclusion for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder :

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and tender meat through slow braising. With simple ingredients like apple cider and aromatic spices, you can create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Remember to allow ample time for cooking to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether served at a family gathering or on a cozy evening at home, this dish promises satisfaction and warmth with every bite.

Print

Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This comforting dish features succulent chicken thighs slowly cooked in sweet apple cider and aromatic herbs, delivering a warm, flavorful experience perfect for chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 pounds chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for searing

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add sliced onions and sauté until softened—around five minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, stirring in fresh thyme and bay leaves while scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom.
5. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in liquid. Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Let braise for approximately two hours or until fork-tender.
6. Carefully remove from oven (hot!) and let rest for about ten minutes before serving. Plate with some of that delicious sauce drizzled over top.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 160g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider adding root vegetables like carrots or potatoes during braising. - Substitute apple cider with unsweetened apple juice if desired. - This dish can be made ahead of time—the flavors deepen as it sits!