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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe
Marigold Voss

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

A tender and flavorful apple cider braised pork shoulder slow-cooked with onions, garlic, herbs, and apple cider until melt-in-your-mouth soft. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb Pork shoulder bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil for searing
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup Onion sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic smashed
  • 2 cups Apple cider unfiltered preferred
  • 1 cup Chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar optional, for balance
  • 2 sprigs Fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
  • 2 Bay leaves dried

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven Oven-safe with lid
  • 1 Tongs For searing pork
  • 1 Cutting board Meat prep
  • 1 Knife Sharp
  • 1 Measuring cups Optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Pat pork shoulder dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear pork on all sides until deeply browned.
  5. Remove pork and set aside.
  6. Add sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened.
  7. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  8. Pour in apple cider and scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
  9. Stir in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
  10. Return pork to the pot and add thyme and bay leaves.
  11. Cover with lid and transfer to the oven.
  12. Braise for 2½ to 3 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest before slicing or shredding.

Video

Notes

  • Let the pork rest before serving to retain juices.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Sauce can be reduced on the stovetop for extra richness.