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Close-up of fresh ingredients for Bavarian braised pork including pork shoulder, sauerkraut, and aromatics.

The Ultimate Bavarian Braised Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork shoulder paired with tangy, glistening sauerkraut. This authentic Bavarian one-pot dinner is deeply savory, aromatic with caraway, and perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Bavarian, German
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 3 lbs Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt) Cut into 3-inch chunks. (1.4 kg)
  • 24 oz Sauerkraut Slightly drained. (680g)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Finely chopped. (150g)
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced. (12g)
  • 1 tsp Caraway Seeds (2g)
  • 12 oz German Beer or Apple Cider (350ml)
  • 1 cup Beef or Chicken Broth (240ml)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Lard (30ml)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Finely chopped. (5g)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt and Black Pepper Plus more to taste. (5g)

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast Iron Dutch Oven Essential for maintaining even heat during the long braise.
  • 1 Sturdy Tongs Used for flipping the meat during searing.
  • 2 Meat Forks For shredding the pork once tender.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking Steps
  1. Cut the pork shoulder into large 3-inch chunks and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep mahogany crust forms. Remove the pork and set aside.
  2. Lower heat to medium. In the remaining fat, sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and caraway seeds, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour the beer or apple cider into the pot. Vigorously scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom using a wooden spoon. Let the liquid reduce by half.
  4. Stir the slightly drained sauerkraut and broth into the pot. Return the pork chunks to the pot, nestling them into the kraut. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Remove from the oven. Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the pot. Toss the meat with the hot sauerkraut and juices. Top generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: Do not rinse the sauerkraut entirely; retaining some of the brine provides the necessary tang to balance the rich pork.
Tip 2: Allow the shredded meat to rest in the juices for 10 minutes before serving to absorb maximum moisture.