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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Cozy up with this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder—an easy, one-pot dinner that’s perfect for fall! 🍂 Tender pork is slowly cooked in a delicious mixture of fresh apple cider, savory onions, tart apples, and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting meal that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 lb pork shoulder roast or Boston butt roast*
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider* (not vinegar)
  • 2 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
  • 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
  • 3 sprigs of rosemary
  • 4 sprigs of thyme
  • 1 red onion, thickly sliced
  • 2 firm, slightly tart apples*, peeled and cut into wedges
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 4 large pieces (or leave it whole if bone-in). Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the Pork: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until deeply browned. You may need to do this in batches.
  4. Make the Braising Liquid: While the pork is searing, whisk together the apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion. Bundle the rosemary and thyme together with kitchen twine.
  5. Combine and Braise: Once the pork is browned, pour in the braising liquid. Add the garlic head and herb bundle to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
  6. Braise: Cook for about 3 hours, flipping the pork halfway through. Start checking for doneness at 2.5 hours. When the pork is nearly fork-tender, add the onions and apples around the meat, cover, and return to the oven for another 30-45 minutes until the pork is very tender.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes. Squeeze the roasted garlic into the broth, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve with the pork, apples, and onions drizzled with the flavorful juices.

Enjoy this hearty dish with loved ones! 🍏🥘