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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Family Dinners

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a perfect dish for cozy family dinners, combining tender pork with rich apple flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 4-5 lb Pork Shoulder Opt for bone-in for richer flavor and tenderness.
For the Cooking Base
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil Necessary for searing the pork.
  • 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider Avoid using apple cider vinegar.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Adds moisture and enhances flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Adds tanginess and depth.
  • 1 tablespoon Dehydrated Minced Onion Can substitute with onion powder (1.5 tsp).
  • 1 head Garlic Roasted for mellow flavor.
For Aromatics
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme Dried herbs can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 Red Onion Cut into thick slices.
For Sweetness and Texture
  • 2 Firm Apples Choose varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady; peeled and cut into wedges.
  • Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven, sear the pork for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion.
  5. Pour the braising liquid over the pork, add garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
  6. Braise the pork in the oven for 3 hours, checking tenderness at 2.5 hours.
  7. After 3 hours, add red onion slices and apple wedges, continue braising for 30-45 minutes.
  8. Let the pork rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 36gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

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