Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Cider Reduction

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

Fall-apart pork shoulder braised with apples and apple cider, finished with a rich, reduced sauce that complements the meat's tenderness. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 505 minutes pairs pounds, trimmed pork shoulder, tablespoons olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 15 min Cook: 490 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Season 3 pounds pork shoulder with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup apple cider and 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples, then add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to a slow cooker set to low for 8 hours.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork shoulder and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and reduce over medium-high heat for 10 minutes until thickened to a syrupy consistency. Slice pork and serve with the reduced sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 505 minutes (15 min prep + 490 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 and Cider Reduction?

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 pounds, trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Cider Reduction?

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 and Cider Reduction 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 and Cider Reduction?

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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