Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Fennel

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

Juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted with aromatic fennel seeds and apple cider creates a tender, flavorful centerpiece perfect for cozy dinners. This american-inspired pork ready in about 275 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, apple cider, crushed fennel seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 260 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Pat dry 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder, then rub evenly with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp crushed fennel seeds, and 5 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe roasting pan over medium-high heat and sear pork shoulder on all sides until deep golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large quartered yellow onion, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, and pour 1 cup apple cider around the pork in the pan.
  4. Step 4: Cover tightly with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 3.5 to 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and roast uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to crisp the exterior.
  6. Step 6: Let rest 15 minutes before slicing or pulling apart to serve with pan juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Fennel take to make?

Total time is about 275 minutes (15 min prep + 260 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Fennel?

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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Fennel?

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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Fennel 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider and Fennel?

American 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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