Print

Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic

Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic
Print Recipe

Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic is a comforting, tender, and flavorful dish featuring slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with the natural sweetness of tart apples and the warmth of roasted garlic. This perfect balance of savory and sweet makes it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, aromatic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Produce

  • 3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed
  • 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), sliced
  • 1 head garlic, separated into cloves and peeled
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (about 3-4 sprigs)

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Brown the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in flavor and adds depth to the dish.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the pork and set aside temporarily. Add the chopped onions and peeled garlic cloves to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
  3. Add Apples and Herbs: Return the pork shoulder to the pot and nestle the sliced apples around it. Add the fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to infuse herbal aroma into the braising liquid.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot until it covers about two-thirds of the meat. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) or keep on the stovetop at very low heat. Braise gently for 3 to 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the pork from the pot and allow it to rest briefly. Place the pot back on medium heat and reduce the braising liquid until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Slice the pork and drizzle with the reduced sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and perfect braising.
  • Don’t skip searing the pork; it develops deeper flavor and rich color.
  • Low and slow cooking is essential to achieve tender, flavorful pork.
  • Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and savory pork.
  • Save the reduced braising liquid as a luscious sauce or dip.

Nutrition

Keywords: braised pork shoulder, pork with apples and garlic, comfort food, slow cooked pork, fall recipe, gluten free pork dish, savory and sweet pork

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/braised-pork-shoulder-with-apples-and-garlic/