Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a sweet and savory sauce with apples and onions, perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 110 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.2 (85 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add pork shoulder cubes in a single layer, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until browned; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add diced apples and cook for 2 more minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to pot, add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Braise for 1.5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork, simmer sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken, then return pork to sauce and heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion?

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 Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion?

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 Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion 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 Maple-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion?

American one pot 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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