Go Back

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Tender, slow-braised pork shoulder infused with sweet apple cider, aromatic herbs, and caramelized apples and onions. Perfect for elegant fall dinners or family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Autumn, Gourmet
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork Shoulder & Braise
  • 4-5 lb pork shoulder bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 apples sliced
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 3 sprigs fresh
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Pat pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven; sear pork on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add onions, garlic, and apple slices to the pot; sauté briefly until aromatic.
  5. Stir in apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, thyme, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Bring to gentle simmer.
  6. Return pork to pot, cover, and braise in oven for 3 to 4 hours until fork-tender.
  7. Remove pork, reduce braising liquid on stovetop 5-10 minutes to create sauce.
  8. Slice or shred pork and serve with apples, onions, and braising sauce.

Notes

For added richness, finish sauce with a knob of butter. Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta for elegant presentation.