Seared Pork Shoulder with Braised Cabbage and Apples

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

Pan-seared pork shoulder medallions served atop a bed of sweet and tangy braised cabbage and apples, combining savory and fruity flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs green cabbage, shredded, large apple, peeled and thinly sliced, medium yellow onion, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs pork shoulder medallions with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried sage. Sear pork medallions for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove pork and set aside, covering loosely.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium sliced yellow onion, 4 cups shredded green cabbage, and 1 large thinly sliced apple. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until cabbage softens and onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover, cooking for 10 minutes until the cabbage and apples are tender and infused with tangy flavor.
  4. Step 4: Season the braised cabbage mixture with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste. Serve pork medallions atop the cabbage and apple mixture immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Pork Shoulder with Braised Cabbage and Apples take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Seared Pork Shoulder with Braised Cabbage and Apples?

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 green cabbage, shredded from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Pork Shoulder with Braised Cabbage and Apples?

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 Seared Pork Shoulder with Braised Cabbage and Apples 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 Seared Pork Shoulder with Braised Cabbage and Apples?

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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