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Apple Braised Pork Cheeks

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes

  • Servings : 3

Tender pork cheeks slowly braised with apples and shallots in a maple cider sauce—perfect for cozy fall evenings.


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Cool&Simple Ingredient List

  • Joue de porc Joue de porc confite
    (11)

    Candied pork cheek

    460 g

    19.99 $
    View details

  • Ingredient List

    • 1 pack of Candied Pork Cheeks
    • 1 tbsp butter
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
    • 2 French shallots, quartered
    • 1 sprig fresh thyme
    • 1 cup apple juice
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • ½ cup veal stock (homemade or store-bought)

  • Preparation

    1. In a skillet, heat half the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the shallots and apples with the thyme until apples are tender but still hold their shape. Transfer to a plate.
    2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Deglaze with apple cider vinegar, then add the apple juice, veal stock, and maple syrup.
    3. Add the pork cheeks and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cheeks and set aside.
    4. Let the sauce reduce until it coats the back of a spoon. Return the cheeks, apples, and shallots to the pan and reheat gently.
    5. Serve the pork cheeks on a plate with roasted potatoes and green beans. Drizzle with sauce.

FAQ – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE COOKING

What are pork cheeks?

Pork cheeks are the small, flavourful muscles from the pig's cheek. They are lean but become incredibly tender when braised or slow-cooked.

How long to braise pork cheeks?

Pork cheeks usually need 2 to 3 hours of slow braising. This gives them their melt-in-your-mouth texture while keeping the flavour rich.

What to serve with pork cheeks?

They pair well with apples, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or polenta. The sweet and savoury mix balances the richness of the meat.

What is the best way to cook pork cheeks?

The best way is slow cooking: braising in broth, wine, or cider. This method breaks down the fibres and makes the pork cheeks tender and juicy.

Why are pork cheeks so tender?

Because they are hard-working muscles with lots of connective tissue. Slow cooking melts the collagen, giving pork cheeks a buttery and soft texture.

Cool&Simple Culinary Team

Cool&Simple Culinary Team

Behind every Cool&Simple recipe is our love for great ingredients and easy-to-make ideas.

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