Legume Free Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Sage
Pulled pork gets a serious upgrade here, braised low and slow in unfiltered apple cider and bone broth until it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. The rub of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon gives the meat a warm, aromatic depth that plays beautifully against the sweet-tart braising liquid. Coconut aminos and a spoonful of honey round out the sauce without leaning on any soy or legume-based shortcuts, making this a genuinely satisfying option for anyone navigating those restrictions. After the pork braises for a few hours, the liquid gets simmered down into a glossy, concentrated sauce that coats every shred of meat in pure flavor. Fresh sage — both braised in and scattered on top at the end — ties the whole dish together with an herby, slightly earthy finish that feels almost fancy for something this hands-off. It's the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an incredible smell and delivers a crowd-pleasing result with very little fuss.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lb bone-in pork shoulder (boston butt)
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup unfiltered apple cider (not hard cider)
- 1 cup bone broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp honey
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork shoulder completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the surface.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork shoulder and sear, turning with tongs every 3–4 minutes, until deeply browned on all sides, about 12–15 minutes total. Transfer the pork to a plate.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!