Description
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a comforting dish that combines tender pork with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let the aromas fill your home as you slow-braise this delicious meal, making every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 Granny Smith apples, quartered
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2. In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- 3. Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- 4. Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the pork shoulder to the pot.
- 5. Nestle quartered apples and thyme around the pork. Cover with a lid and braise in the oven for about 3-4 hours or until fork-tender.
- 6. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg