The Art of Ultimate Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Perfection

Perfect Pork Searing Mastery

Master the technique of achieving deep caramelization for maximum flavor development.

Braising Liquid Excellence

Learn the skill of building complex, layered flavors in the cooking liquid.

Temperature Control Perfection

Perfect the method of maintaining consistent low heat for tender results.

Vegetable Timing Technique

Master the art of adding vegetables at optimal times for perfect textures.

Sauce Finishing Strategy

Learn advanced techniques for creating rich, glossy gravy from braising liquid.

Braising Mastery Secrets for Perfect Apple Cider Pork Shoulder Excellence

Searing Success: Proper browning creates essential flavor foundation - don't skip this crucial step.

Temperature Control: Low, slow braising ensures tender, fall-apart texture without drying out.

Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp that hold shape during long cooking process.

Timing Strategy: Add vegetables at different intervals to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

Liquid Balance: Maintain proper braising liquid level throughout cooking for even results.

Resting Period: Let braised pork rest briefly before serving for juices to redistribute properly.

Ultimate Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Fall Spices and Vegetables

Name: Ultimate Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Fall Spices and Vegetables
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Pork:; 4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder, cut into large chunks; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; For the Apple Cider Base:; 3 cups fresh apple cider; 1 cup apple juice; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup maple syrup; For the Aromatic Foundation:; 2 large yellow onions, sliced thick; 4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces; 4 celery stalks, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, smashed; For the Warm Spice Blend:; 2 bay leaves; 3 fresh thyme sprigs; 2 fresh rosemary sprigs; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 whole cloves; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; For the Cooking Fat:; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons butter; For the Flavor Builders:; 2 Honeycrisp apples, quartered; 1 cup chicken stock; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

The ultimate braised pork shoulder featuring tender, fall-apart meat slowly cooked in aromatic apple cider, warm autumn spices, and fresh vegetables. This gourmet comfort food masterpiece combines the rich, savory depth of premium pork shoulder with the sweet, complex flavors of apple cider and seasonal spices, creating an unforgettable braised dish that elevates the classic slow-cooked pork to extraordinary heights perfect for dinner parties, Sunday meals, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet and savory fall flavors.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

3H30 Minutes

Total Time

3H55 Minutes

Chef

RUY

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Pork:

4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder, cut into large chunks

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Apple Cider Base:

3 cups fresh apple cider

1 cup apple juice

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup maple syrup

For the Aromatic Foundation:

2 large yellow onions, sliced thick

4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

4 celery stalks, chopped

6 garlic cloves, smashed

For the Warm Spice Blend:

2 bay leaves

3 fresh thyme sprigs

2 fresh rosemary sprigs

1 cinnamon stick

4 whole cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cooking Fat:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons butter

For the Flavor Builders:

2 Honeycrisp apples, quartered

1 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Vegetable Medley:

2 pounds small potatoes, halved

2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

1 large sweet potato, cubed

For the Finishing Touches:

2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley

Coarse sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

For the Thickening Agent:

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons butter, softened

For Special Equipment:

Large Dutch oven

Tongs

Wooden spoon

Fine mesh strainer

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F and season pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Sear pork shoulder pieces on all sides until deeply golden brown, about 8 minutes.

Remove seared pork from pot and set aside on large plate.

Add butter to same pot and sauté onions until softened and lightly caramelized.

Add carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Stir in brown sugar and cook until vegetables are lightly glazed.

Pour in apple cider, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar, scraping up browned bits.

Add maple syrup, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon stick, and cloves.

Return seared pork to pot along with any accumulated juices.

Add quartered apples, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring liquid to gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to preheated oven.

Braise pork for 2 hours, then add potatoes and sweet potato pieces.

Continue braising for another 1 hour until pork is fork-tender and falling apart.

Add Brussels sprouts during final 30 minutes of cooking time.

Remove pot from oven and test pork tenderness with fork.

Carefully remove pork and vegetables to serving platter, keeping warm.

Strain braising liquid through fine mesh strainer into clean saucepan.

Simmer strained liquid over medium heat until reduced by half.

Make beurre manié by mixing flour and softened butter into smooth paste.

Whisk beurre manié into simmering liquid to thicken into rich gravy.

Season gravy with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.

Pour thickened gravy over pork and vegetables on serving platter.

Garnish with fresh sage and parsley before serving immediately.

Accompany with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for complete meal.

Ultimate Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Fall Spices and Vegetables

RUY

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Perfection

Ultimate Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Fall Spices and Vegetables

Ingredients

Instructions