Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Introduction

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a flavorful, comforting dish that showcases tender, fall-apart pork infused with the natural sweetness and tang of apple cider. This one-pot wonder is simple to prepare but delivers exceptional flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, festive occasions, or any time you want a hearty, show-stopping meal without the stress.

Why Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a Must-Make

The secret to this recipe’s crowd-pleasing appeal lies in the combination of savory pork, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful braising liquid of apple cider and broth. As the pork cooks low and slow, it becomes meltingly tender while soaking up every nuance of the sweet and tart cider. The resulting dish is deliciously rich, with just a hint of fall-inspired sweetness—an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

The Art of Braising Pork Shoulder

Braising is a technique that gently cooks tough cuts like pork shoulder until fork-tender. By searing the meat first, you build a deep, caramelized flavor base, while the cider adds freshness and subtle acidity. Aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs round out the flavor, turning humble ingredients into an unforgettable main course.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Serve this braised pork alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the savory-sweet braising juices. A crisp, simple salad or sautéed greens add a fresh contrast. Don’t forget to spoon plenty of the luscious sauce over each serving for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 to 8, with each portion containing approximately 350–400 calories, depending on serving size and sides chosen. Pork shoulder is rich in protein and the addition of vegetables and cider brings a balanced blend of nutrients and flavor.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly add all ingredients to a sorted shopping list by store section—perfect for streamlined grocery runs and meal prep.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat the pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing until they soften and start to caramelize, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the apple cider and broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and thyme.
5. Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables. (Scatter apple slices and sprinkle brown sugar over the pork, if using.)
6. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3–3.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
7. Remove pork from the pot. Skim excess fat from the sauce, and if desired, simmer sauce on the stovetop to thicken slightly. Shred or slice the pork and return to the pot to coat with sauce.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides, spooning over plenty of cider-infused juices.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is ideal for cooking in advance and enjoying throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to automatically generate a consolidated shopping list, making it easy to prep ahead, batch cook, or freeze leftovers for busy days.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates the total quantity of each ingredient when scheduling multiple recipes
– Groups grocery items by store aisle for efficient shopping
– Prevents overbuying or missing ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep stress-free and effective
– Know at a glance what’s needed for all your planned meals

Pro tip: By using CookifyAI to plan your meals, you’ll always know exactly how much pork, veggies, and apple cider to buy—even when prepping several complex recipes at once. Streamline your week and reduce both waste and stress with smart meal planning tools.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Enjoy a deliciously tender, apple cider-infused main dish that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated—ready to elevate your family table or special occasion!