This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a cozy dish you’ll love! The pork gets tender and juicy while soaking up the sweet flavors of apple cider and spices.
Cooking it in a slow cooker means less fuss and lots of flavor. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or on a bun for a fun twist. It’s perfect for those chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use pork loin, but it won’t be as juicy.
Apple Cider: Unfiltered cider adds the best flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use filtered, or even substitute with apple juice, though it will be sweeter.
Onions: Yellow onions are great because they provide sweetness. If you want a bit more punch, you can use red onions instead.
Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. However, you could use Gala or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar works nicely, but you can swap it with honey or maple syrup. Just adjust to taste as they are often sweeter.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Pork Shoulder?
First, you want to sear the pork! This step is crucial because it builds a rich, flavorful crust. Don’t rush it; let it get golden brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side. It makes a big difference to the final taste.
After searing, adding the onion and garlic to the same skillet lets them soak up some of those tasty bits left behind. Just stir and cook them until soft before mixing in the apple cider and other seasonings. Simmering for a few minutes gets all those flavors to blend beautifully!
- Remember to pour the apple mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Let the slow cooker work its magic. Cooking on low for 8-10 hours allows flavors to develop and the pork to become super tender.
Waiting for the meal to finish can be tough, but trust the process! It’ll be worth it when you sit down to that delicious, comforting dish.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered for best flavor)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (preferably a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time with an additional 8 to 10 hours for cooking on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high) in the slow cooker. Just set it up in the morning and let it cook low and slow for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with some paper towels. This helps it sear nicely. Season the pork generously all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy the fragrance!
2. Sear the Pork:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned—about 3 to 4 minutes for each side. This step adds amazing flavor!
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Carefully move the seared pork shoulder to the slow cooker. It’s okay if some of the oil and brown bits from the pan come with it—those flavors are gold!
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Your kitchen will smell fantastic at this point!
5. Make the Apple Cider Mixture:
Pour the apple cider and apple cider vinegar into the skillet, scraping the bottom to dislodge any stuck bits. Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and smoked paprika (if using). Let this mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork shoulder. Top it off with the sliced apples. Yum!
7. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. The pork will become irresistibly tender!
8. Shred the Pork:
Once cooked, remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should be easy to pull apart!
9. Optional Sauce Reduction:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it reduces to your desired consistency. This sauce can be drizzled over the pulled pork for extra flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the shredded pork alongside the apples and onions from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, or all on its own.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with your favorite sides!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for slow cooking due to its fat content, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just note that it may not be as tender and juicy as pork shoulder.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and the apple cider mixture the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine them and start cooking in the morning. The flavors will meld beautifully as they cook!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded pork for up to 3 months. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing, and reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This braised pork is versatile! Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or on a bun for pulled pork sandwiches. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a lighter meal.
