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Apple cider pork shoulder.

Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Cara
This apple cider braised pork shoulder is the ultimate comfort food! Slow-cooked until fork-tender, the pork absorbs the sweet, tangy flavors of apple cider, enhanced by earthy herbs. Served over creamy mashed potatoes and paired with crisp green beans, it’s a cozy dish perfect for chilly nights. Impress your guests with this hearty, flavorful meal that feels both rustic and refined!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 313 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder
  • 3-4 large onions sliced
  • 3-4 cups apple cider
  • 2 tablespoon sage chopped
  • 6-8 sprigs thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 325°F.
  • Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder until it’s browned all over, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
  • In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until they soften, about 10 minutes. Once the onions are ready, place the seared pork shoulder back into the pot, nestled among the onions.
  • Pour the apple cider around the pork, making sure it reaches about halfway up the sides of the meat. Add in the fresh sage, thyme, and a couple of bay leaves.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Let it braise for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  • Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for about 10 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve the pork on top of creamy mashed potatoes, with a side of green beans for a fresh, crisp contrast.

Notes

  • Prep ahead: Season and sear the pork a day in advance. Store it in the fridge overnight to deepen the flavors.
  • Vegetable additions: Add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the pot during the last hour of braising for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Check for tenderness: Use a fork to test the pork's tenderness. If it doesn’t easily shred, give it more time in the oven.
  • Flavor variations: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or allspice for a warm twist in the braising liquid.
  • Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently: When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the oven to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving: 250gCalories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 39gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 243mgPotassium: 826mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Keyword braised pork should, pork shoulder, pork shoulder recipes, roasted pork shoulder
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