Slow-Cooked Pork in Apple Cider
This dish features tender pork roast slow-cooked in apple cider, infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. The final result is a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful cut of pork with a rich, spiced sauce that has a glossy appearance and tender apple slices incorporated during cooking.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork roast (shoulder or loin) trimmed of excess fat
- 2 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered
- 2 apples apples firm, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels and season it evenly with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the pork roast until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker, then pour apple cider over it, ensuring the liquid covers at least half of the roast.
- Add sliced apples around and on top of the pork in the slow cooker for added flavor and moisture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable, filling the house with the aroma of cinnamon and apple.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes while you finish the sauce.
- Skim off excess fat from the slow cooker liquid, then turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Shred the pork using two forks, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces, and then return it to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed — a pinch more salt or a splash of extra cider can enhance the flavor.
- Serve the tender pork with spoonfuls of the glossy, spiced apple cider sauce and fresh apple slices for a cozy autumn meal.
Notes
For a bit of extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup during the final simmer. Make sure to sear the pork well for maximum flavor. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete fall feast.