Description
Tender, juicy pork shoulder braised in a rich, savory-sweet apple cider sauce – the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
– 3-4 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. – Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
3. – Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
4. – Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. – Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. – Add the thyme, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. – Return the seared pork and any accumulated juices to the pot. Cover and transfer to a 325°F oven.
8. – Braise the pork for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling apart.
9. – Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10 minutes. Shred or slice the pork and serve with the rich, flavorful braising liquid.
Notes
– For extra flavor, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the braising liquid.
– Serve the Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
– Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 150
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American