Why You’ll Love This
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder is incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with deep, savory flavor. Cooking the pork slowly in the oven allows the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth soft while developing a beautifully seasoned crust. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep because it produces flavorful pork that can be served in many ways—from sandwiches to rice bowls.
Ingredients
● 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 tablespoon kosher salt
● 1 teaspoon black pepper
● 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● 1 teaspoon onion powder
● 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
● 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
● 1 cup chicken broth or water
● 1 onion, sliced
● 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Preparation Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). -
Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning. -
Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and brown sugar. -
Season the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat it evenly with the spice mixture, pressing the seasoning into the meat. -
Prepare the Roasting Pan
Place sliced onions and smashed garlic in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or water into the pan. -
Roast the Pork
Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions and roast uncovered for 4–5 hours, depending on the size. -
Check for Doneness
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195–205°F (90–96°C) and easily pulls apart with a fork. -
Rest the Meat
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before shredding or slicing. -
Serve
Slice or shred the pork and serve with the pan juices for extra flavor.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Roasting pan or Dutch oven
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Meat thermometer
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Knife and cutting board
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Small mixing bowl
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Aluminum foil (optional)
Tips
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Choose well-marbled pork: The fat helps keep the meat juicy during slow roasting.
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Use a thermometer: Pork shoulder becomes tender when cooked to about 200°F internally.
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Add extra flavor: A splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the roasting liquid.
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Cover if needed: If the pork browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
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Save the juices: The pan drippings make an excellent sauce for serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
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Use shredded pork for sandwiches or tacos.
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Pair with coleslaw and cornbread.
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Add to rice bowls with vegetables.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftover pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Shredded pork can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in a covered skillet or oven with a little broth to keep the meat moist.
FAQs
1. What is the best cut for slow-roasted pork?
Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) works best because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during slow cooking.
2. Can I cook pork shoulder at a higher temperature?
Yes, but low and slow cooking gives the most tender results.
3. Should I cover the pork while roasting?
You can roast uncovered for a crispy exterior, but loosely covering with foil can help retain moisture if needed.
Conclusion
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder is a flavorful, comforting dish that rewards patience with incredibly tender meat and rich aroma. With simple seasoning and slow cooking, this recipe delivers a versatile main dish that can be enjoyed in many different meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Protein: 36 g
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Carbohydrates: 2 g
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Fat: 30 g
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Fiber: 0 g
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Sodium: 480 mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used. 🍖✨
