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Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder

Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder
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Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder is a delightful comfort food that harmonizes the natural sweetness of apple cider with the rich, savory flavors of tender beef. This slow-cooked dish transforms a simple cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic spices, this recipe promises to become a favorite at your table. Paired with hearty sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, each bite is a celebration of flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients

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  • 3–4 pounds boneless beef shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into wedges
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef shoulder dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in apple cider to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Return beef to the pot along with bay leaves, thyme, cinnamon stick, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Braise for 2 to 2½ hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add apple wedges. Stir in butter just before serving and remove bay leaves.

Nutrition

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