Slow Cooker Pork with Apple Cider and Spices
This dish features tender pork cooked slowly alongside apple cider and warm spices, resulting in moist meat with a caramelized exterior and flavorful, aromatic sauce. The slow-cooking process ensures the pork becomes soft and easy to shred or serve slices, with a rich, slightly tangy glaze coating the meat.
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Calories: 450kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet or frying pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder roast trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup apple cider preferably unfiltered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves for aromatic spice
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
- 2 cloves garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, and ground cinnamon, rubbing the spices into the meat to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, sear the pork on all sides until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side—creating a flavorful crust.
- Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker. Pour apple cider over the meat, ensuring it’s about halfway covered to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Add minced garlic cloves around the pork in the slow cooker for aromatic depth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. The house will fill with a rich, spicy apple aroma.
- Once done, carefully transfer the pork to a serving plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, skim any excess fat from the cider in the slow cooker and turn the setting to high.
- Allow the cider to simmer and reduce, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly into a glossy sauce that coats the pork beautifully.
- Shred the pork with two forks or slice it into thick pieces, then arrange on a platter. Spoon the rich apple-spiced cider sauce over the top for serving.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this tender, flavorful dish paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sliced apples or a pinch of nutmeg to the cider during reduction. Ensure to sear the pork thoroughly for best texture and color. Adjust spices to match your preference for sweetness or heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 650mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg