How to Make Cider-Braised Pork Cheeks - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a hearty, slow-cooked meal on a chilly evening. And when it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, succulent flavor of braised pork cheeks. This recipe for Cider-Braised Pork Cheeks takes this beloved classic to new heights, infusing it with the sweet and tangy notes of hard cider for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Braising is a cooking technique that involves searing meat and then simmering it in a flavor...

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Ingredients

  • 8 (4 ounce) pork cheeks
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging, or as needed
  • 2 tablespoons clarified butter
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups hard apple cider
  • 2 cups homemade or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 small carrot, diced
  • 1 rib celery, diced

Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Season both sides of pork cheeks with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with flour and press it into the meat to coat thoroughly.
  • Heat clarified butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear meat on both sides until richly browned, adjusting heat lower if necessary. When cheeks are browned, reduce heat to medium. Transfer cheeks to a plate to rest.
  • Remove all but 2 tablespoons fat from the skillet. Add onions, carrots, and celery to skillet. Cook and stir until softened and sweet, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Add vinegar and stir to deglaze the pan. Pour in the cider and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer. Add sage and rosemary. Reduce heat to low and transfer cheeks back to pan. Cover. Cook until fork tender but not falling apart, 2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the pork cheeks. Transfer to a plate.
  • Bring liquid to a boil over high heat, skimming off fat as it rises to the surface. Reduce volume of liquid by about 60 to 70%. Sauce will start to thicken up. Taste for salt and season as needed. Transfer cheeks back to liquid. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until cheeks are heated through and tender and sauce is thick enough to coat cheeks.
  • Nutrition

    1619 cal.

    • Total Fat: 153g
    • Saturated Fat: 58g
    • Cholesterol: 193mg
    • Sodium: 297mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 24g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 20g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 21mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 133mg