Slow-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple and Thyme

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

A deeply flavorful pork shoulder braised until fork-tender with sweet apples and earthy thyme, perfect for cozy evenings. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 265 minutes pairs pork shoulder, apple, white wine 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.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season pork shoulder evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 diced apples and 3 thyme sprigs, cooking for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, then add 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce heat to low.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 4 hours, checking every hour to ensure liquid doesn’t evaporate completely—add 1/4 cup water if needed until pork is fork-tender and apples are soft.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 265 minutes (25 min prep + 240 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-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple and Thyme?

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-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple and Thyme?

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-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple and Thyme 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-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple and Thyme?

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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