Half-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions

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

Pork shoulder slowly braised halfway in cider with apples and onions for tender, flavorful meat with a slightly sweet finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 pounds pork shoulder chunks with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch; transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 1 large sliced apple wedges to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup dry apple cider and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot along with 2 sprigs fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cover partially and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 1 hour until pork is tender but not falling apart. Remove thyme, bay leaf and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Half-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions?

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 Half-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions?

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 Half-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Half-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions?

American pork 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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