Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Low-Sodium Broth

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

Tender pork shoulder braised with sweet apples and herbs in a low-sodium broth, creating a rich and comforting meal with minimal sodium. This american-inspired slow cooker (low-sodium) ready in about 380 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Season 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder with 1 tsp dried sage, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp fresh rosemary. Sear in the Dutch oven for 4 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Stir in 2 medium sliced apples and 1 tsp dried sage. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork and apples. Strain cooking liquid, return to pot, and simmer until reduced by half (15 minutes) to thicken.
  6. Step 6: Slice pork and serve over apple and sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Low-Sodium Broth take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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 Apples and Low-Sodium Broth?

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 Apples and Low-Sodium Broth?

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 Apples and Low-Sodium Broth 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.

Is Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Low-Sodium Broth low-sodium?

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

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