Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder (BEST Pork Shoulder Recipe)

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!

We are so excited to share this pork shoulder recipe. The flavors of the crust are so yummy and the meat on the inside is tender and smokey (without being smoked!). 

Today we are sharing a slow roasted pork shoulder recipe. It 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 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

The Difference between Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder

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.

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.

Simple Roasted Pork Shoulder

Are you ready to make this delicious roasted pork shoulder recipe? It’s flavored with the most a yummy pork dry rub and cooked low and slow in the oven leaving the meat juicy and the outside crusted with so much flavor.

What You Need

• 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.

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!

How to Cook Pork Shoulder

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.

1. Dry Rub: first, prepare your pork dry rub. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle the dry rub on all sides and in all cracks of the pork shoulder roast. Be generous.
2. Sear: Next, heat butte rin a large cast-iron skillet. When melted and fragrant, sear the pork shoulder roast on all sides for 2-3 minutes or until brown.
3. Slow Cook: Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with tin foil. Then place a wire rack on top. Transfer the seared pork shoulder roast on top of the wire rack and bake at 250ºF for 7-8 hours, depending on how big your pork roast is. Slow cook pork until the internal temperature reaches 200ºF. 
4. Shred: Let pork shoulder rest for 5-10 minutes and then use 2 large forks to tear apart the pork into large, bite-size pieces. It should be easier to shred.

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.

Top 3 Tips for tender slow-roasted pork shoulder

1. Quick Sear: many slow roasted pork shoulder recipes skip the quick sear and cook the pork on a higher heat (around 450ºF) for around 30 minutes before lowering the temp. We like to do a quick sear because it helps jumpstart that amazingly crispy crust.
2. Wire Rack: the wire rack is essential for getting that crispy crunchy crust. It allows the fat to fall off of the pork shoulder and land on the pan. This will let the outside get perfectly browned and crunchy. 
3. Cook Low and Slow: be patient here, folks! Cooking low and slow is the name of the game for perfect slow roasted pork shoulder. Cook the pork at 250ºF, no higher no lower.

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).

How to Serve Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

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 potatoes, broccoli, or asparagus.

Tacos: Eat your pork similar to carnitas 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.

What to do with Leftover Pork Shoulder

Got leftover pork shoulder? Here are some fun ideas to repurpose your pork! 

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.

What to Serve with Pork Shoulder Roast

Keep things simple and serve your pork next to a veggie side. Here are a few favs:

• Baked Potato in Foil
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
• Instant Pot Baked Beans
• Roasted Root Vegetables

Storage

Let pork cool completely. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.