Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe! This flavorful delight combines tender pork with the sweet tang of apple cider, aromatic herbs, and spices for a mouthwatering dish your family will adore. Discover the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation tips, and perfect side dishes to serve alongside. Ready to impress? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty meal to life!

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Ingredients

3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks

2 cups apple cider

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 medium apples, cored and sliced (preferably sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the pork until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and dissolve any browned bits.

Add the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cumin, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Return the pork shoulder to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Nestle the apple slices amongst the pork.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. Transfer it to the preheated oven and braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce if desired.

Shred the pork using two forks and mix it back into the braising liquid before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 3 hours | 6-8 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the braised pork shoulder on a large platter, drizzling the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and additional apple slices for a pop of color. Pair with rustic bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.