Slow-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider

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

Fall-apart tender pork shoulder braised in apple cider and herbs, ideal for elegant weeknights with minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs Pork shoulder roast, Apple cider, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 8 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 kg pork shoulder dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear pork on all sides for 5 minutes until golden brown, working in batches if needed.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium quartered onions and 2 sliced medium carrots to the pot, stirring for 2 minutes. Place 3 fresh thyme sprigs and 4 minced garlic cloves around the pork.
  3. Step 3: Pour 500ml apple cider over the meat, ensuring liquid covers half the pork. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2.5 hours until pork is fork-tender, then remove pork and thyme sprigs.
  4. Step 4: Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then whisk 1 tbsp all-purpose flour into the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened to a glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Cider?

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 roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider?

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 Cider for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Cider?

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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