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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Fall Dinners

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder offers melt-in-your-mouth goodness, perfect for cozy gatherings during fall.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 4-5 lb Pork Shoulder Bone-in for richer flavor; boneless cooks faster.
For the Braise
  • 2 tbsp Neutral Oil For searing the pork.
  • 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider Substitute with unsweetened apple juice if needed.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock/Broth Enhances the depth of flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard Provides a tangy kick.
  • 1 tbsp Dehydrated Minced Onion Adds onion flavor without the texture.
  • 1 head Garlic Top sliced off for roasting.
For the Herbs and Seasoning
  • 3 sprigs Rosemary Fragrant herbal note.
  • 4 sprigs Thyme Complements the pork.
  • Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Vegetables and Apples
  • 1 Red Onion Cut into thick slices.
  • 2 Firm Tart Apples Peeled and cut into wedges; Honeycrisp or Pink Lady preferred.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and season it with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat neutral oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned pork for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and minced onion in a bowl. Set aside.
  4. Tie rosemary and thyme together with twine. Add the seared pork back to the Dutch oven with the herb bundle.
  5. Pour the braising liquid into the pot and cover. Braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, flipping halfway through.
  6. In the final 30-45 minutes, add the red onion and firm tart apples to the pot.
  7. After braising, let the pork rest in the liquid for 30 minutes, then serve with mashed potatoes or rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 4-6 days in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage.

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