Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

Today, you’re in for a treat because we have an incredible recipe for you: Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. This mouthwatering dish combines the richness of slow-cooked pork with the sweet tang of apple cider, creating a harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. With tender, succulent meat that falls apart with a fork and a sauce that is bursting with autumnal goodness, this recipe is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or festive dinners. So, grab your apron and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

To make apple cider braised pork shoulder, you will need:

Pork shoulder

Pork shoulder is the star of this recipe. It is a flavorful and affordable cut of meat that becomes tender and succulent when braised.

Salt

Salt is a crucial ingredient for enhancing the flavors in the dish. It helps to season the pork shoulder and bring out its natural taste.

Black pepper

Black pepper adds a pleasant heat and subtle spice to the dish. It complements the other flavors and adds depth to the overall taste.

Olive oil

Olive oil is used for searing the pork shoulder and sautéing the onions and garlic. It adds a lusciousness and richness to the dish.

Onions

Onions provide a fragrant and savory base for the braising liquid. They add depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish.

Garlic

Garlic adds a delicious aromatic note to the pork shoulder. It enhances the overall taste and elevates the dish to another level.

Apple cider

Apple cider is the key ingredient that gives this recipe its signature flavor. It adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the pork.

Chicken broth

Chicken broth is used to create the braising liquid for the pork shoulder. It adds depth and richness to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that provides a wonderful earthy and pine-like flavor to the dish. It complements the pork shoulder and adds complexity to the overall taste.

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish. It harmonizes well with the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste profile.

Preparation

Before starting the cooking process, there are a few steps to ensure the pork shoulder turns out perfectly tender and flavorful.

Trim excess fat

Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is necessary for flavor, removing any excessive amount will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Season the pork shoulder

Next, season the pork shoulder generously with salt and black pepper. This step ensures that the meat is well seasoned and adds depth of flavor to every bite.

Sear the pork shoulder

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork shoulder on all sides until it develops a golden brown crust. Searing helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich caramelized flavor to the meat.

Saute onions and garlic

Remove the seared pork shoulder from the pot and sauté the onions and garlic until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized. This step adds a savory base to the braising liquid and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Combine apple cider and chicken broth

Pour apple cider and chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine the flavors and create a flavorful braising liquid.

Add the pork shoulder back into the pot

Place the seared pork shoulder back into the pot, making sure it is submerged in the braising liquid. This will ensure that the meat becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.

Add rosemary and thyme

Sprinkle fresh rosemary and thyme into the pot. These herbs infuse the dish with an aromatic and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the pork.

Braise the pork shoulder

Cover the pot and let the pork shoulder simmer gently over low heat for several hours, or until it becomes fork-tender. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Remove pork shoulder and strain sauce

Once the pork shoulder is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and reserving the flavorful liquid.

Shred the pork shoulder

Using two forks, shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be tender and easily fall apart. This step ensures that each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with flavor.

Serving

Now that the pork shoulder is perfectly cooked and shredded, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish.

Plate the shredded pork shoulder

Arrange the shredded pork shoulder on a serving platter or individual plates.

Pour the strained sauce over the pork

Drizzle the strained sauce over the shredded pork shoulder, ensuring that each piece is coated in the flavorful liquid. This sauce adds moisture and enhances the taste of the pork.

Garnish with fresh herbs

Sprinkle fresh herbs, such as chopped rosemary or thyme, over the plated pork shoulder. This adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.

Serve with roasted vegetables

For a well-rounded meal, serve the apple cider braised pork shoulder with a side of roasted vegetables. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables complement the richness of the pork and create a balanced and satisfying plate.

Enjoy!

Gather your friends and family around the table, and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish together. The tender pork, aromatic herbs, and sweet apple cider make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your taste preferences and add some creative twists:

Marinate the pork shoulder overnight for extra flavor

If time allows, marinate the pork shoulder in the salt, black pepper, and olive oil mixture overnight. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork shoulder.

Replace apple cider with apple juice for a milder taste

If you prefer a milder taste, you can use apple juice instead of apple cider. Apple juice still adds a subtle sweetness to the dish while being less tangy.

Add chopped apples to the braising liquid for added sweetness

For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, add chopped apples to the braising liquid. They will infuse the dish with fruity flavors and complement the pork shoulder beautifully.

Serve the pork with mashed potatoes instead of roasted vegetables

If you’re in the mood for a classic combination, serve the apple cider braised pork shoulder with creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth and buttery texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender pork.

Use leftover pork to make delicious sandwiches

If you have any leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. Use the shredded pork to make mouthwatering sandwiches. Spread your favorite condiments, such as barbecue sauce or mayonnaise, on some crusty bread, and pile on the tender and flavorful pork.

Conclusion

Apple cider braised pork shoulder is a delightful and flavorsome dish that will impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender pork, aromatic herbs, and sweet apple cider creates a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for gatherings with friends and family.

Feel free to experiment with different variations and add your own personal touch to find your perfect flavor profile. Whether you marinate the pork shoulder overnight, replace the apple cider with apple juice, or add chopped apples to the braising liquid, this dish is sure to please.

So gather your loved ones, savor the comforting flavors, and enjoy this delectable apple cider braised pork shoulder together.