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Stove Top Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe

This stove top pork and sauerkraut recipe is a classic German-style dish that's pure comfort food.

I know you may see this recipe and think, "Sauerkraut?? No way! Eww." Looking back, my 10-year-old self would say the same.

It seems to be something people either love or hate. I have to admit my now adult self definitely loves sauerkraut.

So, I encourage you to give it a try again if you think you don't like it. This recipe is a great way to try a sauerkraut dish without it being plain and quite so sharp to the senses.

finished pork and sauerkraut in a white bowl on a slate and marble background, garnished with chopped parsley

Be sure to give the ingredients list a look for some tips to scale that harsh sauerkraut flavor back a bit if you're not completely sold just yet.

I've tried a lot of pork and sauerkraut concoctions over the years to bring half-German Mr. Savvy a taste of home and this one with simple ingredients makes him the happiest.

cooked pork and sauerkraut served over mashed potatoes in a shallow white bowl on a black slate background

Pork and Sauerkraut Ingredients and Substitutions

  • High-heat oil - you want to use a suitable oil for high-heat searing like avocado, lard, peanut, or canola. NOT olive oil.
  • Salt and pepper
  • Bone-in pork butt - I like to use a cut of pork with the bone for best flavor. You can use a boneless cuts of pork such as a pork loin roast (not pork tenderloin), if you prefer a sliced pork version - just keep in mind it is a leaner cut and will take less time to cook so it can dry out quickly.

    Other pork cut options (bone-in or boneless) include pork shoulder and pork country-style ribs or chops.
  • Yellow onions - can use powder or dehydrated onion if that's what you have. See the label for how much to use in place of fresh.
  • Garlic - You can use garlic powder if you don't have fresh.
  • Sauerkraut - To drain and rinse or not? The flavor of sauerkraut really varies by brand and even by container from the same brand. We really love the tang and brininess of sauerkraut so I don't drain nor rinse the sauerkraut and usually use the Boar's Head brand that is refrigerated in a bag.

    I'd encourage you to taste your sauerkraut before adding it to the pot and see how strong it is. You can always drain some or all of the sauerkraut juice, set it aside and refrigerate it while the recipe cooks and then add some in at the end to taste.
  • Brown sugar - this helps even out the tanginess of the sauerkraut and you can use light or dark. I really think the brown sugar flavor works best here and don't recommend substituting other sweeteners.
  • Applesauce - For this recipe, you want to use an unsweetened applesauce that also doesn't have any spices. You could also use apple juice or apple cider - again make sure there isn't extra sweetener or spices added.

    You can also toss in your favorite variety of raw cooking apple that has been cored, peeled(optional), and chopped.
  • Caraway seeds - If you don't care for the flavor of caraway seeds, you can leave them out. Caraway certainly adds a unique German-style flavor that really makes this recipe extra delicious.
  • Chicken broth or water - This is just in case your dish needs some extra moisture. Broth will add more flavor than water.
  • Garnishes - I'll be the first to admit that this isn't the prettiest dish on its own even if it's super tasty. That's why I like to at least add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, or green onions to at least add a pop of color.

Recommended Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or pot - I'm personally a huge fan of enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and these days there are plenty of high quality ones that don't cost a ton of money like this one from Lodge.
  • Chef's knife - Great for chopping the onions and slicing the pork.
  • Tongs - A must have for turning the pork roast and getting it out of the pot.
  • Spatula - I love a wooden spoon or spatula for cooking as they won't harm surfaces and last a long time with proper care.
  • Ladle - My favorite utensil to serve this dish.

How To Make the Best Pork and Sauerkraut

For in-depth instructions, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

first directions for recipe - heating oil and seasoning pork

1. For the first step, heat the oil for searing in a large Dutch oven.

2. Generously season the fatty side of your pork roast with salt and pepper.

second set of directions - searing pork on both sides

3. Carefully place the seasoned side of the pork roast down into the hot oil. Season the side of the pork facing up.

4. Sear until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the roast and sear until browned on the other side, about 3 - 4 minutes.

third set of  directions including sauteeing onions and adding kraut and seasonings

5. Once pork is seared, remove it from the pot and set aside. Sauté sliced onion in the fat and juices left behind for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

6. Once the onions have softened, add the seasonings, kraut, and broth, if needed.

last set of directions including cooking pork

7. Nestle the roast into the kraut mixture. Bring it to a boil, cover with a lid, then lower the heat to a simmer.

8. Simmer until the pork is cooked through and tender, about 3 to 4 hours.

9. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and let cool until you can safely handle it. Then remove the bone and cut the meat into chunks and stir back into the kraut mixture.

10. Serve and enjoy!

finished kraut and pork in Dutch oven ready to serve

What is Sauerkraut?

For this recipe you want traditional cabbage sauerkraut and not a variety that may include cucumbers or other vegetables.

Sauerkraut is basically raw cabbage that has been pickled in a way so that it ferments. This means that it contains a bacteria culture that keeps it from going bad for months.

It's well known to be a German dish and features a tangy, sour flavor and is sometimes on the salty side. It's kind of similar to kimchi, but doesn't have the funky spiciness that kimchi does.

Many people like to consume sauerkraut for its health benefits like probiotics, vitamin C and K, and potential to improve digestion.

Sauerkraut is also a popular traditional dish to eat on New Year's Day or Eve as it's said to bring good luck and good fortune for the coming year.

Can I Cook Pork and Kraut in the Oven?

Absolutely! I like to cook it on the stovetop to not have to deal with moving a heavy pot in and out of the oven but if that's what you like here's what I suggest.

Place an oven rack in the middle section of your oven and preheat your oven to 325° F. Complete the recipe through step 7, nestling the pork in the kraut mixture.

Cover the pot tightly, then place in your preheated oven and bake until the pork is very tender, about 3 to 4 hours. Then finish the recipe as is - remove the pork and let it cool enough to handle. Remove the bone and add back to the kraut mixture.

You can also make this in a Crock Pot. I'd still sauté the onions and sear the pork.

Then move everything over to the slow cooker and cook covered on low for around 5 to 6 hours.

What to Serve with Pork and Sauerkraut

Here are some wonderful recipes to turn this sauerkraut and pork dish into a full meal.

pinterest image for pork and sauerkraut
Stove Top Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe

Stove Top Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe

Yield: 10 servings
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 28 minutes

Pork and sauerkraut are two great comfort foods that are loved by many. To help you enjoy this delicious hot and hearty meal, check out our Stove Top Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tablespoons high-heat oil, such as avocado
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • A 4 to 5 pound bone-in pork butt
  • 2 cups yellow onions sliced in half moons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 pounds sauerkraut (I don't drain or rinse, but you can if desired)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds, optional
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. 
  2. Heavily season the pork on the fatty side with salt and pepper. 
  3. Place the pork seasoned side down into heated oil. Season the other side. 
  4. Cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Once browned, flip and continue to cook until browned, about 3 - 4 minutes.
  5. Remove pork butt and set aside. Don’t drain the juices in the pot as they are important for flavor. 
  6. Add sliced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until onions are slightly browned and softened. Stir in a large pinch of salt and ground balck pepper, and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  7. Stir in sauerkraut, brown sugar, apple sauce, caraway seeds (if using) and another pinch of salt and ground black pepper. If you drained the sauerkraut or it’s dry, add in about 1 cup of chicken broth or water. Nestle the pork into the kraut mixture.
  8. Bring the pot to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pork is tender and falling off the bone, about 3 to 4 hours. Stir the kraut around the pork occasionally as it cooks. Add additional broth or water if the pot gets too dry.
  9. Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot. Cool until you can easily cut into chunks or shred, discarding the bone. Keep the sauerkraut on low to keep warm, stirring occasionally.
  10. Once the pork is cut into pieces, taste the sauerkraut mixture for salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  11. You can pour the kraut onto a platter and place the pork on top, or just pile both into individual bowls. We like making mashed potatoes and then putting a large spoonful of the kraut mixture over the potatoes and then some pork on top for an all-in-one dinner. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use boneless pork if preferred, which should take about 2 to 3 hours to cook.

If you don't care for the briny, tangy taste of sauerkraut, you may want to drain and/or rinse it before using.

Please see the original article at https://smartsavvyliving.com/stove-top-pork-and-sauerkraut-recipe/ for more ingredient substitutions and tips to make this recipe.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 590Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 1118mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 5gSugar: 13gProtein: 44g

Nutrition information may not be accurate. Optional garnishes and toppings aren't included. Nutrition information is calculated automatically by and provided by Nutritionix. Exact nutrition information depends on the specific ingredients, brands, and amounts you use.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Donna j.

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Simmering right now... smells like my gramma's house!! Ugh such an amazing aroma... I used a pork tenderloin so I hope the flavor is as good as with bone in pork... I'm eating it regardless!! Thanks for the recipe!

Smart Savvy Living - Michelle

Sunday 17th of September 2023

@Donna j., thanks for giving my recipe a try! I hope it tastes as good as it smells.

Charlotte

Saturday 31st of December 2022

This is an absolutely delicious recipe. The seasonings are great. It's the first time my pork was so tender and not dry. The amount of liquid was perfect. My husband loved it over mashed potatoes. Also had roasted corn. Many thanks!!

Smart Savvy Living

Monday 9th of January 2023

Hi Charlotte, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to share how it turned out!

rick

Tuesday 27th of December 2022

My mother always thichened the sauerkraut with a flour rue, more like a gravy for potatoes. would you do after cooking?

Sharon Ramon

Friday 26th of July 2024

When I was a young girl, my Mom would make a pork roast and sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. She'd also make the best brown gravy. I would mix the mashed potatoes with the gravy and still love the combo. Your comments took me back.I have a pork roast cooking right now. Thanks for the memories !!!

Smart Savvy Living

Monday 9th of January 2023

Hi rick, thanks for stopping by. If you're using a flour roux, I'd do so at the beginning of cooking to reduce the risk of the sauce tasting like flour. If you want to thicken it after cooking I'd use cornstarch as a thickener. When using a flour roux after cooking I can personally find dishes to still taste a bit like raw flour no matter how much it cooks. Hope this helps!

Michele

Thursday 2nd of December 2021

I haven't made this recipe yet but my mother used to make it and she made dumplings with it. To us it was Pork Sauerkraut and dumplings. Thanks for helping me figure out out how to make my favorite comfort food.

Smart Savvy Living

Thursday 2nd of December 2021

Hi Michele (great name!), thanks for stopping by. Dumplings sound like they'd be delicious with pork and sauerkraut! I hope you enjoy the dish.

Renate

Thursday 7th of October 2021

Thanks for sharing hugs do mine sauerkraut and pork in pressure cooker every thing else the same as your recipe I like to and carrots.

Smart Savvy Living

Monday 11th of October 2021

Thanks for stopping by, Renate. Carrots sound like a wonderful addition!

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