Description
This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a perfect embodiment of fall, offering warmth and rich flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lbs Pork Shoulder Roast (Choose bone-in for deeper flavor or boneless for quicker cooking.)
- 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.)
- 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider (Avoid substituting with apple cider vinegar.)
- 2 cups Chicken Stock/Broth (Opt for low-sodium.)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (Feel free to swap for whole grain mustard.)
- 1 tablespoon Dehydrated Minced Onion (Fresh onion can be used, but it alters cooking time.)
- 1 head Garlic (Slice the top off for easier infusion.)
- 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (Can interchange with fresh thyme.)
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1 Red Onion (Sliced thick.)
- 2 Firm and Slightly Tart Apples (Peel and wedge; Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are ideal.)
- Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (Season to taste.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). If using bone-in pork, keep it whole or cut the boneless pork into 4 large pieces.
- Season the pork generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sear the pork in a Dutch oven with neutral oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
- Whisk together the fresh apple cider, chicken stock, dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion until smooth.
- Bundle the fresh rosemary and thyme together. Pour in the braising liquid and add the herb bundle and whole garlic head.
- Cover the Dutch oven and braise in the oven for about 3 hours, flipping the pork halfway through.
- Add the sliced red onion and wedged apples around the pork after the initial braising time. Cover and return to the oven for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Rest the pork in the braising liquid for 30 minutes before serving. Squeeze the roasted garlic into the sauce for richness.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 195 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg