Savory Apple-Stuffed Pork Shoulder
This delightful Apple-Stuffed Pork Shoulder brings together the robust flavors of tender pork and sweet, caramelized apples, creating a comforting dish perfect for gatherings. The pork shoulder, a more economical cut of meat, is generously filled with a rich stuffing of crispy salt pork, fresh vegetables, and sweet apples, all bound together with breadcrumbs and seasoned to perfection. Roasted until golden and tender, this dish offers a delightful contrast of savory and sweet that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this recipe not only feeds the crowd generously but also fills the home with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table.
N/A
Servings
340
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder
6 lbs (have butcher remove bones)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Prepared mustard
3 tablespoons (for glazing)
Salt pork
1/4 lb (diced)
Celery
1/2 cup (diced)
Onion
1/2 cup (minced)
Apples
2 cups (peeled and diced)
Sugar
1/2 cup (to sweeten apples)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (as a binding agent)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the stuffing: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced salt pork until it becomes crispy. Remove the salt pork from the pan and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, use the rendered fat to sauté the diced celery and minced onion until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the peeled and diced apples along with the sugar to the pan. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced parsley, salt, and pepper, along with the cooked salt pork. Stir well to combine.
5
Fold in the apple mixture to the breadcrumb mixture until well incorporated. This will be your stuffing.
6
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pork shoulder by ensuring the cavity is clean and dry. Generously season the exterior and interior of the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
7
Stuff the pork roast with the apple filling, making sure to pack it tightly. Secure the opening using poultry pins or skewers to keep the stuffing inside during roasting.
8
Place the stuffed pork shoulder in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven, calculating cooking time at about 30-35 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C). For a 6-pound roast, this will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
9
When the roast is halfway done, carefully spread the prepared mustard over the top of the pork. This will create a flavorful crust as it finishes roasting.
10
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
20g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used in the Savory Apple-Stuffed Pork Shoulder?
The recipe uses a 6-pound pork shoulder with the bones removed.
What size pork shoulder should I buy?
You should use a 6-pound pork shoulder.
How should the pork shoulder be prepared by the butcher?
You should have the butcher remove the bones from the pork shoulder to create a cavity for the stuffing.
What ingredients are needed for the stuffing?
The stuffing is made from salt pork, celery, onion, apples, sugar, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the salt pork for this recipe?
The 1/4 pound of salt pork should be diced and cooked in a skillet until it becomes crispy.
What vegetables are sautéed for the stuffing?
Diced celery and minced onion are sautéed in the fat rendered from the salt pork.
How long should I sauté the celery and onion?
Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How are the apples prepared for the stuffing?
The apples should be peeled, diced, and then cooked with sugar until tender, which takes about 10 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the apples?
The sugar is used to sweeten the apples and help them caramelize during the cooking process.
What serves as the binding agent in the stuffing?
One cup of breadcrumbs acts as the binding agent for the stuffing mixture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I season the pork shoulder?
Generously season both the interior and exterior of the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
How do I keep the stuffing inside the roast?
Secure the opening of the stuffed pork roast using poultry pins or skewers.
How long does it take to roast the pork shoulder per pound?
Calculate the cooking time at about 30-35 minutes per pound.
What is the total estimated cooking time for a 6-pound roast?
A 6-pound roast will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to cook.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius).
When should I apply the mustard glaze?
Carefully spread the prepared mustard over the top of the pork when it is halfway through the roasting time.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of prepared mustard.
Should the roast rest after coming out of the oven?
Yes, allow the roast to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 340 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
The dish provides 27 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What kind of parsley should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced parsley.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, the pork shoulder is noted as an economical cut of meat, making this a budget-friendly meal.
What kind of occasion is this recipe suitable for?
It is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or special family dinners.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a contrast of savory pork and sweet, caramelized apples.
How much salt and pepper is used in the stuffing itself?
The stuffing uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, in addition to the seasoning on the meat.
What equipment is needed for roasting?
You will need a roasting pan and either poultry pins or skewers to secure the meat.