Slow-Cooked Apple Cider Pork Roast
This dish involves browning a pork roast then slow-cooking it in a mixture of apple cider and spices. The pork becomes tender and fall-apart soft, with a flavorful, slightly caramelized exterior, and the cider creates a rich, aromatic sauce surrounding the meat.
Equipment
- Skillet or Stovetop Pan
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder roast preferably bone-in for richer flavor
- 2 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered for better aroma
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg complements the cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground for better flavor
- to taste salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for searing the meat
- 1 large onion sliced
Instructions
- Season the pork roast generously with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the spices.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the pork in the skillet and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown, creating a caramelized crust.
- Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker. Add sliced onions around the roast to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Pour apple cider over the pork and onions, making sure the liquid covers at least half of the meat. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pork and set it aside. Turn the slow cooker to high and simmer the cider mixture uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and thicken into a flavorful sauce.
- Shred the pork using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker, tossing it with the cider sauce until well coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides. Garnish with extra sliced onions or herbs if desired, and enjoy the tender, spiced pork in a rich cider gravy.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the pork with spices overnight. Adjust seasoning and cider amount to taste, and feel free to add a splash of apple juice for a sweeter touch. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the sauce, developing even richer flavors.