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Fall in Love with Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Slow Cooked to Perfection - Featured Image

Fall in Love with Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Slow Cooked to Perfection

Learn how to make delicious Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Choosing the right ingredients is the foundation of any great meal, and this recipe is no exception. Whenever possible, I opt for fresh, high-quality produce and locally sourced pork — it truly makes a difference. The apple cider is the star here, so I recommend using a natural, unsweetened variety to avoid overpowering the dish with added sugars. Also, a few pantry staples pull everything together into a harmonious balance of flavors.

  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 cups apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

If you can’t find apple cider, a mix of apple juice with a splash of lemon juice works in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
  3. Remove the pork and set it aside. Lower the heat to medium, add the sliced onions to the pot, and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—this adds incredible depth to the sauce.
  5. Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the liquid and onions. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
  6. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily. Check halfway through to spoon some cooking liquid over the meat for extra moisture.
  7. Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing. Meanwhile, simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes to thicken slightly, if desired.
  8. Serve the pork drizzled with the reduced sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder, recipe, cooking, food