This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a comforting, fall-inspired dish that’s tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The pork is slow-cooked in a mixture of apple cider, garlic, and bay leaves, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The apple cider adds a slight sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the pork, making this dish perfect for cozy family dinners. It’s simple to make and requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 pork shoulder (about 4-5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups apple cider
Directions
- Prepare the Pork:
Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides. - Brown the Pork:
In a large Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides, turning it until it is evenly browned. - Add Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and bay leaves to the pot, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Add Apple Cider:
Pour in the apple cider and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate into the sauce. - Braise the Pork:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Braise the pork for about 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. - Optional:
For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the cider, garlic, and herbs in the refrigerator before cooking. - Serve:
Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest before slicing. Serve with the braising liquid for added flavor.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Potassium: 530mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 10 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3mg
Why Pork Shoulder Works So Well for Braising
Pork shoulder, often known as “pork butt” or “Boston butt,” is a well-marbled, tougher cut of meat that is ideal for slow cooking methods like braising. The fat within the pork shoulder slowly breaks down during the long cooking process, making the meat tender and succulent. This cut of pork is especially great for braising because it holds up well to slow cooking and becomes incredibly juicy, with the flavors of the braising liquid infusing the meat deeply.
Unlike leaner cuts of pork, which can dry out if overcooked, pork shoulder retains its moisture and tenderness during long cooking times, making it an excellent choice for braised dishes. The slow-cooked texture is perfect for shredding, allowing you to serve it as a hearty main dish or use it in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
The Role of Apple Cider in the Recipe
The key to the deliciousness of this braised pork shoulder is the use of apple cider in the braising liquid. The apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory pork. As the pork braises in the cider, the flavors of the liquid are absorbed by the meat, making it tender and infused with a warm, slightly tangy flavor.
In addition to its sweetness, apple cider provides depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. When combined with garlic and bay leaves, the cider becomes the perfect backdrop to the pork, adding aromatic and herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish. Apple cider also has natural sugars that caramelize slightly during the braising process, resulting in a rich, glossy sauce that adds even more flavor to the finished dish.
Cooking Process: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
The process of braising the pork shoulder is simple yet effective. After seasoning and browning the pork shoulder in a Dutch oven, the garlic and bay leaves are added to build aromatic layers of flavor. Once the apple cider is poured in, the pot is brought to a simmer, allowing the pork to absorb all of the flavors from the aromatics and braising liquid.
Braising is a slow-cooking method that takes time but yields incredible results. After transferring the pot to the oven, the pork is braised for about 3 hours at a low temperature of 325°F (163°C). During this time, the collagen in the pork shoulder breaks down, and the meat becomes incredibly tender, easily shredding with a fork.
The long, slow cooking method also allows the flavors of the braising liquid to meld together, creating a rich, savory sauce. The key to braising is low heat over a prolonged period, allowing the pork to cook gently, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and flavorful throughout the process.
Marinating for Extra Flavor (Optional)
For those looking to take the flavor profile of this dish to the next level, marinating the pork shoulder overnight in the apple cider, garlic, and herbs before braising can add extra depth to the meat. Marinating allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the cider and seasonings even more thoroughly, ensuring that each bite is infused with the full complexity of the marinade. While marinating overnight is optional, it is highly recommended for those who want a more pronounced flavor in the finished dish.
If you choose to marinate, simply combine the cider, garlic, and bay leaves in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, and allow the pork to sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. After marinating, the pork can be seared and then braised as directed in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing the Pork Shoulder
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it an ideal choice for family meals or special occasions. For a traditional fall-inspired meal, serve the pork with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect base for the tender pork and its flavorful braising sauce.
Another great side option is sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, which will add a burst of color and nutrients to the dish. The bitterness of the greens complements the sweetness of the braised pork, creating a balanced meal.
For a lighter option, serve the pork with a fresh salad of mixed greens, apples, and walnuts. The crisp, tart apples will add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork, while the walnuts offer a crunchy texture to the dish. A simple vinaigrette with mustard and honey would work well to tie all of the flavors together.
Why This Recipe is Ideal for a Cozy Family Dinner
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is an ideal recipe for cozy family dinners because it’s easy to prepare yet delivers big on flavor. The dish requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the pork slow-cooks in the oven. The preparation process is straightforward, and the slow braising ensures that the pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
This dish is also very versatile, allowing you to serve it with a wide variety of sides to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, this braised pork will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Additionally, braising the pork results in a delicious sauce that can be served over the meat or used as a base for gravy, making it even more satisfying and flavorful. The rich, savory sauce, combined with the tender pork, creates a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Conclusion: A Comforting Fall Dish
Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the best of fall’s ingredients together in one delicious meal. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork with the sweet and savory apple cider braising liquid results in a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the depth of flavor, makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting dish.