Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple-Cabbage Medley

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a sweet-tangy glaze with caramelized apples and sauerkraut, creating a savory-sweet Whole30 main course that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired slow cooker (whole30) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sauerkraut, Honeycrisp apples 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 480 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from pork shoulder, then rub 1 tbsp coconut oil over the meat and season with 1/4 tsp salt and caraway seeds.
  2. Step 2: Place pork shoulder in slow cooker, top with sauerkraut, and arrange sliced apples (1/4-inch thick) around the meat.
  3. Step 3: Whisk coconut aminos with remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tbsp coconut oil, then pour over apples and pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until pork pulls apart easily with a fork.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple-Cabbage Medley take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple-Cabbage Medley?

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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple-Cabbage Medley?

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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple-Cabbage Medley 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.

Is Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple-Cabbage Medley whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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