Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple

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

Tender pork shoulder braised with tart apples and aromatic herbs, creating a savory-sweet dish ideal for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 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 large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 1.36kg pork shoulder with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, and 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork shoulder to the pot. Add 2 diced medium apples, 240ml chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pork and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid, discarding solids, and skim off excess fat.
  7. Step 7: Slice the pork and serve with the apple and sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple 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-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple?

American one pot 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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