Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard and Apple from Quebec

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

Rich and tender slow-braised pork shoulder cooked with tart apples and tangy mustard, inspired by flavors from Quebec’s pastoral regions. This french-inspired pork ready in about 210 minutes pairs cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder, yellow mustard, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 190 min Serves 6 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Season 3 lbs of pork shoulder chunks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chunks in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup yellow mustard and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork to the pot and add 2 sliced Granny Smith apples, 1 cup apple cider, and 1 cup chicken broth. Season with remaining 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours, turning the pork halfway through, until meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving with the braising liquid as a sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard and Apple from Quebec take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Mustard and Apple from Quebec?

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 yellow mustard from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard and Apple from Quebec?

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 Mustard and Apple from Quebec 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 Mustard and Apple from Quebec?

French 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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