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Braised Pork Shoulder

Fall-Ready Braised Pork Shoulder That Melts in Your Mouth

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a must-try, combining comfort and flavor in a cozy dish perfect for fall dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 4-5 lbs Pork Shoulder Roast Bone-in offers a richer broth, while boneless cooks faster.
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 2 tbsp Neutral Oil Can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil.
  • 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider Essential for flavor; avoid using vinegar.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock or Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian options.
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can work as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Dehydrated Minced Onion Fresh chopped onion can be used for a different consistency.
For Aromatics
  • 1 head Garlic Top sliced off; fresh cloves are ideal.
  • 3 sprigs Rosemary Fresh thyme can be used as a substitute.
  • 4 sprigs Thyme Adjust quantity according to taste preference.
  • 1 Red Onion Cut into thick slices; can use yellow or white onion.
For the Sweetness
  • 2 Firm Apples Peeled and cut into wedges; Honeycrisp or Gala recommended.
For Seasoning
  • Kosher Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large pieces. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork pieces until golden brown for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion in a bowl. Set aside.
  5. Tie rosemary and thyme sprigs with kitchen twine for easy removal later.
  6. Pour braising liquid over the seared pork, add the herb bundle and garlic. Cover and transfer to the oven.
  7. Let braise for approximately 3 hours, checking for fork-tender meat.
  8. Add red onion slices and apple wedges to the pot halfway through and return to oven for an additional 30-45 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes. Squeeze roasted garlic into the broth before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Perfect for meal prep - great for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice.

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