Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Shoulder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fall-apart tender pork shoulder simmered in apple cider and spices, perfect for sandwiches or bowls. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, apple cider, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in slow cooker and season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika in a bowl, then pour over pork.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until pork pulls apart easily with forks, then shred meat with two forks.
  4. Step 4: Return shredded pork to slow cooker and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to thicken sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Shoulder?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Shoulder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Shoulder?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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