Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze

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

Fall-apart tender pork shoulder braised in apple cider and herbs, finished with a glossy glaze for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 170 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Season 3 pounds pork shoulder with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Sear 5 minutes per side until browned. Remove pork.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion to pot; cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return pork to pot. Add 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 2.5 hours until pork is fork-tender. Remove bay leaf. Skim excess fat, then simmer uncovered 15 minutes to thicken sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze?

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 Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze?

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 Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze?

American slow cooker 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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