Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe! With its mouthwatering flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender pork shoulder and fragrant apple cider creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- The leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pork shoulder roast or boston butt roast: The pork shoulder provides a rich and juicy meat base for the dish.
- Neutral oil: Used for browning the pork and adding depth of flavor.
- Fresh apple cider: Not to be confused with apple cider vinegar, this ingredient adds a sweet and tangy note to the dish.
- Chicken stock or broth: Adds richness and depth to the braising liquid.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy and flavorful kick to the dish.
- Dehydrated minced onion: Adds a savory element to the braising liquid.
- Head of garlic, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs: Infuse the dish with aromatic flavors.
- Red onion, firm and slightly tart apples, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper: Add layers of flavor and texture to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the pork on all sides.
- Add the apple cider, chicken stock, mustard, minced onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pot.
- Cover and braise in the oven for 2-3 hours.
- Add the red onion and apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the pork shoulder with the braising liquid and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, sear the pork shoulder before braising.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Try using different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the pork shoulder to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
- Skim off any excess fat from the braising liquid before serving.
- Serve the dish with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, and a glass of red wine for a satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the pork and braising liquid in separate containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven for this recipe? Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? While apple juice can be used as a substitute, it may result in a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, the pork shoulder can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this delicious Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 mins – 4 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe combines the rich flavors of pork shoulder with the sweetness of apple cider and apples, creating a tender and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4–5 lb pork shoulder roast or boston butt roast
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 red onion
- 2 firm and slightly tart apples
- kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Sear the pork: Season the pork with salt and pepper, then sear it in a Dutch oven until browned on all sides.
- Add ingredients: Add the apple cider, chicken stock, mustard, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, red onion, and apples to the pot.
- Braise: Cover and braise in the oven for about 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
- Serve: Remove the pork from the pot, slice, and serve with the apple cider sauce.
Notes
- You can use a slow cooker instead of the oven for this recipe.
- Adjust the seasoning and sweetness of the dish according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg