This Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe is a flavorful and tender dish that makes an excellent centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. The combination of apple cider and spices infuses the pork with a rich, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with traditional holiday sides.
The recipe is simple to follow and results in a succulent pork shoulder that falls apart with a fork. It’s perfect for serving a crowd during Thanksgiving or any special gathering.
Delicious Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder
This dish features a pork shoulder slow-cooked in apple cider, onions, and aromatic spices until it’s incredibly tender. The cooking process takes about 4 hours, and it serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder, bone-in
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add sliced onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cider and Spices: Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg.
- Braise the Pork: Return the pork shoulder to the pot, cover, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and garnish with fresh thyme, if desired. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
