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Tender Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe with Sweet Caramelized Apples

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A comforting slow-cooked pork shoulder braised with sweet caramelized apples, onions, and aromatic spices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (well-marbled for tenderness)
  • 3 medium apples (preferably firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the pork and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Remove the pork and set aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add sliced onions to the pot. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and brown sugar to the onions, stirring constantly until fragrant and the sugar starts to melt, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Stir in apple slices and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize, tossing occasionally.
  7. Pour in apple cider and broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
  8. Add fresh thyme sprigs and sprinkle cinnamon if using. Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it among the apples and onions.
  9. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and transfer the pot to the preheated oven.
  10. Braise for about 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Check halfway through and spoon some of the cooking liquid over the pork to keep it moist.
  11. Once done, remove the pork and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing. Optionally, reduce the braising liquid on the stovetop for a thicker sauce.

Notes

For best results, choose a pork shoulder with good marbling to keep the meat juicy. Use fresh apples for best caramelization and texture contrast. Rest the meat after cooking to redistribute juices. A meat thermometer reading 195°F (90°C) ensures perfect shredding. You can also make this in a slow cooker after searing, cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: braised pork shoulder, caramelized apples, slow cooked pork, comfort food, autumn recipe, pork and apples, easy pork recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/tender-braised-pork-shoulder-recipe-with-sweet-caramelized-apples-easy-and-perfect/