Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Dijon Mustard
Fall-apart tender pork shoulder braised in a sweet-savory apple cider and Dijon reduction, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 195 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 3 lbs pork shoulder with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
- Step 2: Add 1 chopped large onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot; cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp dried thyme; bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low; simmer for 3 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Dijon Mustard take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 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 Cider and Dijon Mustard?
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 Cider and Dijon Mustard?
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 Cider and Dijon Mustard for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cider and Dijon Mustard?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for Sunday dinner! The whole family devoured it. So tender and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best slow-cooked pork I've ever made. Tender and full of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
The pork was delicious, but the sauce was a bit bland. Next time I'll add more Dijon.
