Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Experience the comforting blend of sweet apples and savory spices with this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. This dish features tender, juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked in a rich apple cider sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. With each bite, enjoy the velvety texture and warm aromas that evoke memories of autumn evenings spent around the table.
- 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
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups fresh unfiltered apple cider
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Return the seared pork to the skillet; add apple cider, chicken broth, brown sugar, and thyme.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for approximately 3 hours or until fork-tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg