AMAZING APPLE CIDER BRAISED PORK SHOULDER

Imagine the most succulent, fall-apart tender pork, infused with the sweet and tangy aroma of apple cider, creating a dish that warms you from the inside out. This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is exactly that, a comforting and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. I promise, even if you’re new to braising, you can nail this recipe!

Ingredients

For the Pork Shoulder:

• 1 (3-4 pound) boneless pork shoulder, excess fat trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup dry apple cider
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves

Optional Ingredients for Serving:

• Mashed potatoes or polenta
• Roasted vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts or carrots)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let’s Talk Pork Shoulder

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. Pork shoulder can be intimidating, I know! It’s a big, sometimes tough cut, but that’s exactly why it’s perfect for braising. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Don’t be tempted to substitute with a different cut; the shoulder has the right amount of fat and collagen to give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I always recommend boneless for easier slicing and serving later, but bone-in works beautifully too – just adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding about 30-45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Sear the Pork

1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s a big piece of meat!
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t rush it!
4. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Braised to Perfection: Combine and Cook

1. Pour in the apple cider and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where a lot of flavor is hiding!
2. Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
3. Return the pork shoulder to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the pork. If needed, add a little more chicken broth.
4. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly.
5. Reduce the heat to low and braise for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your pork shoulder.
6. Check the pork periodically and add more broth if the liquid is evaporating too quickly. We want the pork to stay moist and tender!

Shred and Serve: The Grand Finale

1. Remove the pork shoulder from the pot and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before shredding with two forks.
2. While the pork is resting, strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan.
3. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly reduced and thickened, about 10-15 minutes. This will create a delicious sauce to serve with the pork.
4. Return the shredded pork to the sauce and toss to coat.
5. Serve the Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder over mashed potatoes or polenta, alongside roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

• Pork not tender enough? Don’t worry, just keep braising! Sometimes it takes a little longer depending on the cut of meat. Add another 30 minutes to an hour and check again. Patience is key!
• Sauce too thin? Simmer it longer! The reduction process concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) for a quick fix.
• Too much fat? Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid before reducing it. A fat separator works wonders for this!
• Want a deeper apple flavor? Add a diced apple to the vegetables when you sauté them. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work particularly well.
• Make it ahead! This dish is actually even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

Slow Cooker Adaptation

Don’t have a Dutch oven? No problem! This recipe works great in a slow cooker too. Sear the pork shoulder as directed, then transfer it to your slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and add them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. Shred and serve as directed above.

What to Serve With Your Braised Pork

The possibilities are endless! Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. Polenta is another great option for soaking up that delicious sauce. Roasted root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, complement the sweet and savory flavors of the pork beautifully. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. And for dessert? How about some Apple Crisp?

Variations to Explore

• Spiced Apple Cider Braised Pork: Add a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and a few whole cloves to the braising liquid for a warm and festive flavor.
• Maple Glazed Pork: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar for a sweeter, richer flavor.
• Hard Cider Braised Pork: Use hard apple cider instead of regular apple cider for a slightly more alcoholic kick. Just be sure to simmer it for a few extra minutes to burn off some of the alcohol.
• Add some heat! A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a delightful kick.
• While you’re in the mood for apple flavors, don’t forget to try Apple Cider Whoopie Pies or Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for dessert! Also, you might also enjoy Apple Cider Cheesecake. For something simple, consider Apple Crisp or Apple Crisp.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. This recipe for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own! Happy cooking!