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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Savory Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Fall Nights

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a hearty one-pot dish perfect for family gatherings and chilly evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 4-5 lb Pork Shoulder bone-in offers a richer flavor
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil olive oil is a great substitute
  • 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider avoid substituting with vinegar
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock/Broth vegetable broth can also be used
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard spicy brown mustard can be used
  • 1 tablespoon Dehydrated Minced Onion fresh onion can be used as an alternative
For Flavor
  • 1 head Garlic roasting elevates flavor
  • 3 sprigs Rosemary
  • 4 sprigs Thyme dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts
For Sweetness
  • 1 Red Onion sliced
  • 2 Firm Apples like Honeycrisp or Gala
For Seasoning
  • Kosher Salt to taste
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder.
  2. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the pork for 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. Combine the apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and minced onion in a bowl to make the braising liquid.
  5. Place the seared pork back in the Dutch oven and pour the braising liquid over it. Add rosemary, thyme, and the head of garlic.
  6. Cover and braise in the oven for about 3 hours, flipping the pork halfway through.
  7. Add sliced red onion and apple slices, cover, and return to the oven for an additional 30-45 minutes.
  8. Let the pork rest in the cooking liquid for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Ensure to use fresh apple cider for the best flavor and always trim excess fat for better texture.

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