Half-Pint Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder
Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in half a pint of crisp apple cider, infused with aromatic spices for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, fl oz apple cider, onion, diced 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 8 fl oz apple cider
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown pork pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. Add 1 cup diced onion and 3 smashed garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Return pork to pot and pour in 8 fl oz apple cider and 1 cup water. Add 3 fresh thyme sprigs, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Step 4: Braise pork gently for 2 hours until tender and easily shredded with a fork, stirring occasionally and adding water if liquid reduces too much.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Pint Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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-Pint Cider-Braised 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 fl oz apple cider from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Pint Cider-Braised 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 Half-Pint Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder 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-Pint Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder?
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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