Go Back

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in apple cider, onions, and herbs for the ultimate fall comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Braise
  • 3-4 lb pork shoulder bone-in or boneless
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 onions thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Sear pork in olive oil and butter until browned on all sides, then set aside.
  4. Sauté onions until caramelized, add garlic and cook briefly.
  5. Deglaze with apple cider, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Add broth, mustard, vinegar, herbs, and pork back into pot.
  7. Cover and braise 3–3½ hours until fork-tender.
  8. Remove pork and reduce sauce for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Best served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if desired.