Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe
Looking for a delicious comfort food recipe? This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe is perfect! The meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven pot
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foilÂ
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 2 cups apple cider fresh is best
- 1 large onion sliced thin
- 4 garlic cloves minced fine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for sweetness
- 2 teaspoons salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves for extra flavor
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder completely dry first.
- Season it generously with salt and pepper.
- This creates a flavorful outer crust.
- Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven.
- Brown the pork on all sides evenly.
- This takes about 10 minutes total.
- Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add sliced onions to the same pot.
- Cook until they become soft and golden.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in apple cider and chicken broth.
- Add brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Stir everything together well.
- Return the pork to the pot carefully.
- The liquid should cover it halfway.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid securely.
- Cook in a 325°F oven slowly.
- Let it braise for 3-4 hours total.
- The pork should fall apart easily.
- Use a fork to test tenderness.
- The internal temperature should reach 190°F.
Notes
- Don't skip the browning step completely.
- It adds deep, rich flavor to everything.
- Use fresh apple cider instead of juice.
- Quality makes a huge taste difference here.
- Let the pork rest before slicing it.
- This keeps all the juices inside.
- Save the braising liquid for amazing gravy.
- You can thicken it with cornstarch easily.