Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nothing says cozy, slow-cooked comfort like a tender, juicy pork shoulder braised in apple cider. This dish brings together the sweetness of apples, the richness of pork, and the deep, savory notes of fresh herbs and aromatics.
As the pork slowly braises, the apple cider reduces into a luscious, slightly sweet sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and perfect for an impressive holiday dish or a comforting family dinner.
Pair this fall-inspired masterpiece with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce!
Ingredients
For the Pork Shoulder
- 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, enhances the apple notes!)
For the Braising Liquid
- 1 large onion (120g), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium apples (250g), cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best!)
- 500ml (2 cups) apple cider (not vinegar, use fresh cider!)
- 250ml (1 cup) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar (for a slight tang)
- 2 tbsp (30g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15g) brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork for 4-5 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms.
- Remove the pork and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the onions and apples. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, cooking for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the Braising Liquid
- Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.
Step 4: Slow Braise the Pork
- Cover the pot and braise at 160°C (325°F) for 3–4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
- Check occasionally, and add more broth if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shred or slice the pork and serve with the reduced apple cider sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Braised Pork Shoulder
✨ Sear the pork well – This locks in juices and enhances the depth of flavor.
✨ Choose a good apple cider – Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best balance of sweetness.
✨ Slow and steady wins the race – Braising at low heat for several hours makes the pork melt-in-your-mouth tender.
✨ Make it ahead – The flavors deepen overnight, making this a perfect meal prep or holiday dish.
✨ Pair it perfectly – Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Juicy, fall-apart tender pork
✔ Sweet & savory apple cider sauce
✔ Minimal hands-on cooking time
✔ Perfect for fall & holiday dinners
✔ Great for leftovers & meal prep
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