Published 1/29/2024 • Updated 8/31/2024 The best pork shoulder recipes are cooked low and slow. This slow roasted pork shoulder is slightly sweet and incredibly tender with crispy, crunchy edges. This is one of the best pork shoulder recipes of all time! A quick rundown: the pork shoulder cooks low and slow for hours and hours creating the most beautiful crunchy crust and tender inside. This method of cooking pork shoulder is the closest you’re going to get to smoked pork shoulder without using a smoker.
What You Need for this Pork Shoulder Recipe
3-4 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast: make sure to purchase a 3-4 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast. I’ve had the best success finding this cut of meat at the butcher of most grocery stores. Butter: butter is used to not only sear the pork shoulder but also add amazing flavor. Can’t do butter? Olive oil works, too, Pork dry rub: the pork spice rub is seriously so delicious. It’s garlicky, slightly smokey, and a little bit sweet. The spices we used are garlic powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, ground pepper, and smoked paprika.
Make it smokier: If you want a smokier flavor, you can up the paprika. Make it spicier: looking to make this roasted pork shoulder spicier? Feel free to add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne powder.
What is pork shoulder?
A pork shoulder roast comes from the shoulder of a pig. It typically has more fat than a pork loin, which makes it great for slow roasting. In this pork shoulder recipe, we’re using a 3-4 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast. Other names for pork shoulder:
picnic shoulder picnic roast pork shoulder roast
How to Cook a Pork Shoulder Roast
There are many ways to cook pork shoulder roast. You can use your Instant Pot, oven, smoker, slow cooker, etc. Today we’re teaching you how to make pork shoulder by slow cooking it in the oven.
Have a bigger or smaller cut of meat?
If you have a bigger or smaller cut of meat, all you have to do is adjust the cooking time to more or less time. Watch the internal temperature and cook it until it reaches 200ºF. We explain more below!
Can pork shoulder be pink?
Pork shoulder can be a little pink as long as the internal temperature is at least 145ºF, which is when you can safely consume pork.
Can I dry rub and sear the night before?
You can dry rub your pork shoulder the night before, but don’t sear the pork the night before. Make sure to sear your pork and immediately start roasting it or you could risk bacteria grown as it sits partially cooked in the fridge. If you decide to dry rub the night before, wrap it in a piece of plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out and refrigerate it until the morning.
What is the difference between pork shoulder and pork butt?
So is pork butt the same thing as pork shoulder? Pork butt and pork shoulder are not the same thing. While they come from similar areas of the pig, they are actually 2 different cuts of meat. Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is a fattier cut of meat. Pork is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF (USDA), but because we are cooking low and slow, the goal is to get it to reach 200ºF so that the meat can tenderize and break down to be easier to shred.
What is pork shoulder used for?
Pork shoulder is most commonly used for pork roast recipes such as slow cooker pork roast or oven-baked pork roast. Pork should is also an excellent cut of pork for pulled pork.
Where can I buy pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder is a very popular cut of meat and you can find it in the pre-packed meat section or at the butcher of most grocery stores.
How much pork shoulder per person?
We recommend serving around 4-oz. cooked pork shoulder per person. So, if you have a 3 lb. roast, that would serve around 8-12 people (depending on how much fat your pork shoulder has on it).
240 calories 18g fat 19g protein 0g carbs 0g fiber 0g sugar
How to Serve Your Pork Shoulder Roast
Solo: some things are best-eaten solo and this is one of them. We like to eat this roasted pork shoulder next to a veggie such as baked potatoes, roasted broccoli, or grilled asparagus. Tacos: Eat your pork similar to carnitas tacos and serve the shredded pork in a tortilla with avocado, minced onion, and sala. Sandwiches: make pork sandwiches by tossing your shredded pork in your favorite bbq sauce. Serve it on a bun with slaw.
More Serving Suggestions
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Baked Zucchini Instant Pot Baked Beans Egg Salad Roasted Root Vegetables
Storage
Let your pork cool completely. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Pork Shoulder Recipes
Pork shoulder is one of our favorite meats to cook with. Here are our top-rated pork shoulder recipes!
Ultimate Pork Roast Instant Pot Pork Roast Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe Instant Pot Pork Chili Instant Pot Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Nachos: top tortilla chips with leftover pulled pork and then sprinkle on shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, minced red onion, olives, and fresh guacamole. Freezer Burritos: we love making freezer burritos with leftover pork! Check out our freezer burritos, but instead of using ground beef, use pork instead. Pork Chili: pork chili is one of my favorite things. Use our Instant Pot Pork Chili recipe as guidance, but use cooked pork instead.
