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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Fall Nights

Hearty Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder, a comforting dish bringing warmth to chilly fall nights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 1 piece Pork Shoulder Roast Bone-in preferred for deeper flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil Can substitute with olive or canola oil
For the Braising Liquid
  • 4 cups Fresh Apple Cider Avoid substituting with vinegar
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock/Broth Homemade or low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Feel free to switch to other varieties
  • 1 tablespoon Dehydrated Minced Onion Fresh onions can be adjusted to taste
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves recommended
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Dried herbs can replace at 1/3 the quantity
For Sweetness and Texture
  • 1 medium Red Onion Yellow onion can be substituted
  • 2 cups Firm Apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Pink Lady) Avoid softer varieties
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Kitchen twine

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare the pork by trimming excess fat.
  2. Season pork generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sear pork for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, mustard, and minced onion until well combined.
  4. Tie rosemary and thyme together with twine. Add seared pork to Dutch oven and pour braising liquid over it.
  5. Cover and braise in the oven for 3 hours, flipping halfway through and checking for tenderness.
  6. Remove lid, add red onions and apple pieces, cover again, and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes.
  7. Remove pot from oven and let pork rest in the liquid for about 30 minutes.
  8. Serve shredded pork with cooked apples and onions, pairing with mashed potatoes or rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Sear pork to lock in flavors, use quality raw cider, and allow adequate resting time for juicy meat.

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