Herb-Crusted Apple Glazed Pork Roast
Discover the exquisite flavors of this Herb-Crusted Apple Glazed Pork Roast, where a tantalizing mixture of crushed anise, fennel, caraway, and celery seeds creates a delightful crust that enhances the natural tenderness of the pork shoulder. Simmered in a rich blend of apple juice and beef broth, the roast develops a luscious, subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with its savory crust. Perfect for any gathering, this dish promises to be the centerpiece of your table and will leave your guests asking for seconds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork shoulder
2 1/2-3 lb (trimmed of excess fat)
reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for brushing)
anise seeds
2 teaspoons (crushed)
fennel seeds
2 teaspoons (crushed)
caraway seeds
2 teaspoons (crushed)
celery seeds
2 teaspoons (crushed)
apple juice or apple cider
2/3 cup (divided)
reduced-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup (for cooking liquid)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for thickening the gravy)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your slow cooker.
2
Brush the pork shoulder liberally with reduced sodium soy sauce, ensuring an even coating.
3
On a large piece of aluminum foil or a plate, combine the anise, fennel, caraway, and celery seeds. Mix them thoroughly.
4
Carefully roll the pork shoulder in the mixed seeds, pressing gently to form an even coating over the meat.
5
Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, positioning it so it fits snugly.
6
Pour 1/3 cup of the apple juice (or cider) and the beef broth around the pork, taking care not to wash off the seed crust.
7
Cover the slow cooker and select the low heat setting, cooking the pork for 9 to 11 hours, or on high heat for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
8
Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Reserve the cooking liquid.
9
Gently slice the pork and arrange the pieces on a serving platter. Cover to keep warm.
10
To make the gravy, strain the reserved cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Skim off the fat with a spoon.
11
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup of apple juice with the cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the strained cooking liquid in a small saucepan.
12
Over medium heat, cook and stir the mixture until it thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Continue to stir for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
13
Serve the hot gravy over the sliced pork roast and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Crusted Apple Glazed Pork Roast?
It is a tender boneless pork shoulder roast coated in a seed-based herb crust and slow-cooked in a mixture of apple juice and beef broth.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 2 1/2 to 3 pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat.
How many people does this pork roast serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What specific seeds are used in the herb crust?
The crust is made from a combination of crushed anise, fennel, caraway, and celery seeds.
How do you prepare the pork before applying the herb crust?
The pork should be trimmed of excess fat and then brushed liberally with reduced sodium soy sauce to help the seeds adhere.
Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2/3 cup of apple juice or apple cider, divided between the cooking process and the gravy.
How long does the pork cook on the low heat setting?
On the low setting, the pork should cook for 9 to 11 hours until it is fork-tender.
How long does the pork cook on the high heat setting?
On the high setting, the pork requires 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours of cooking time.
What is the best way to apply the seed mixture?
Combine the seeds on a plate or aluminum foil and roll the pork shoulder in them, pressing gently to create an even coating.
How should I add the liquids to the slow cooker?
Pour the apple juice and beef broth around the pork rather than over it to avoid washing off the seed crust.
How much beef broth is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of reduced-sodium beef broth.
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its tenderness.
How do you make the gravy for the Herb-Crusted Apple Glazed Pork Roast?
Strain the cooking liquid, skim the fat, then mix 1/3 cup of apple juice with cornstarch and stir it into the liquid over medium heat until thickened.
What is used to thicken the gravy?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is mixed with apple juice to thicken the gravy.
How do you remove solids from the cooking liquid?
Strain the reserved cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve before preparing the gravy.
How long does the gravy need to simmer?
The gravy should be cooked and stirred for 5-7 minutes until it bubbles, then for an additional 2 minutes.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a savory herb crust with a subtly sweet glaze from the apple juice and beef broth.
Is this recipe considered a main dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a main dish and is often served as the centerpiece of a meal.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
Reduced sodium soy sauce is recommended for brushing the pork.
How many teaspoons of anise seeds are required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of crushed anise seeds.
How many teaspoons of fennel seeds are used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds.
How many teaspoons of caraway seeds are needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of crushed caraway seeds.
How many teaspoons of celery seeds are included?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of crushed celery seeds.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is a slow cooker required for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions are specifically written for preparation in a slow cooker.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
Gently slice the rested pork and arrange the pieces on a serving platter, then cover to keep warm until served.
What should I do with the cooking liquid?
The cooking liquid should be reserved and used as the base for the apple-flavored gravy.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
Can this dish be served at gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or dinner party.
What helps enhance the flavor of the gravy at the end of cooking?
Stirring the gravy for an additional 2 minutes after it begins to bubble helps enhance its flavor profile.