How To Cook Pork Shoulder 4 Ways

What You’ll Need

There’s no need for fancy hard to find ingredients, you can make the most wonderful pork shoulder recipe from simple good ingredients from your local store.

• Pork Shoulder: Your first stop is getting a pork shoulder at the store. Look for one around 4-5 pounds. You can get it with or without the bone inside. A piece with the bone keeps more moisture while it cooks, making your meat extra tender and juicy.
• Vegetable Oil: You'll need a bit of oil to start cooking. Regular vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil works great. Just a few spoonfuls helps create a beautiful golden-brown outside on your meat when you first cook it.
• Aromatics: Chop up some onions and garlic for an amazing taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make everything smell magnificent in your kitchen. Add a few bay leaves too - they create magic while your meat cooks slowly. All these items work together to make your pork taste amazing.
• Broth: Stream some chicken or beef broth in your cooking pan. This helps keep your meat moist during the long cooking time. The broth slowly mixes with all the flavors and turns into a wonderful sauce by itself. You can pour this sauce over your meat when serving.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are very important. Sprinkle them all over your pork before cooking. The salt makes sure every part of the meat tastes good, while pepper adds a nice warm flavor that everyone enjoys.
• Vegetables (optional): Your pork will taste even better with vegetables cooking beside it. Put potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in the pan around your meat. These vegetables become extra special because they cook in all the good meat juices.

How Do You Cook Pork Shoulder

When it comes to cooking a juicy, tender pork shoulder, you're in luck - there's not just one way to achieve mouthwatering results! That means you can opt for a smoker's slow smoked flavors, oven's controlled heat, slow cooker's convenience, or the traditional stovetop method.

Now let us look at how to transform the simple pork shoulder into awesome fare, using the four fantastic cooking methods. Whichever method you pick, you'll have meat that's tender and full of flavor, whether atop a sandwich, in a taco, or as the best main dish.

1. In Smoker

It’s just a few steps to turn this into the best, most fall off the bone pork you’ve ever tasted. People will be begging for seconds. It’s time to start up your smoker on and dive into this flavor game!

Ingredients:

• 8 lb bone-in pork shoulder
• Olive oil
• Water

Dry Rub:

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 Tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp dried minced onions
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Steps

1. First up, let's get that smoker ready. Check the manual to make sure you've got everything set just right. One key thing is adding a pan of water to the grate - this will help keep your pork nice and juicy as it smokes.
2. Grab a bowl and mix up your special dry rub. Brown sugar, pepper, salt, paprika, garlic, onions, and a pinch or two of cayenne goes in. Save some of this tasty blend to rub all over the meat.
3. Mix up a mixture of apple juice and apple cider vinegar and pour that into the jar. During the first 4 hours of smoking, you’ll open the smoker once in an hour and spritz your pork with the vinegar mixture. This keeps it extra moist and flavorful.
4. Pop that seasoned pork shoulder onto the smoker grate and let the magic happen. Maintain the temperature at 250°F and let it smoke for 4 hours, remembering to spritz it every 60 minutes.
5. After the initial 4 hours, give it one last spritz, then wrap that pork up tightly in foil or peach paper. This time it goes back into the smoker at a lower 225°F for about another 4 hours. When a meat thermometer extents 195-205°F, you’ll know it’s done.
6. Let that smoked pork rest for 20 minutes to 2 hours before digging in! It all allows the juices to reallocate, so every bite is melt in your mouth amazing.

2. Slow Cooker

The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe super easy and always delicious! Though it takes longer time to cook, at the end you’ll have delicious, tender pork that's perfect for any meal.

Ingredients:

• A nice big piece of pork shoulder (1.5kg)
• Olive oil (2 spoonfuls)
• White wine (1 cup)
• Chicken stock (1 cup)
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 fresh rosemary branches
• Some whole black peppercorns
• A whole bulb of garlic
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Take your pork shoulder and cut away any extra fat. Dust salt and pepper all over the meat. Put a pan on the stove, add olive oil, and make the meat brown and golden on all sides. This makes the meat extra tasty!
2. Put your browned meat in the slow cooker. Pour the wine and chicken stock over it. Add your bay leaves, rosemary, garlic, and peppercorns around the meat. These ingredients make everything smell and taste amazing.
3. Turn your slow cooker to low. Now comes the easy part - leave it alone for 6-8 hours! During this time, the meat becomes so soft and tender, it almost melts.
4. After waiting patiently, your pork should be super tender. Take it out carefully and put it on a plate. Using two forks, pull the meat apart - it should come apart very easily. Put all the meat back in the slow cooker with the tasty juice and mix it together. Your pork shoulder is ready!

3. Stovetop

The stovetop method gives you perfect results every time. Cooking this cut piece is easy if you follow the steps properly. You can have a wonderful, tender pork dinner that tastes just like grandma used to make!

Ingredients

• A big pork roast (4-5 pounds) - the one with bone tastes best!
• Salt and pepper
• 2 large spoons of cooking oil
• 2 cups water
• 4 carrots, cut long
• 3 celery sticks, cut long
• 3 whole onions, peeled
• 2 spoons white vinegar
• A pinch of sugar
• 1 bay leaf

Steps

1. Rub salt and pepper all over your pork roast. Get a large pot hot on your stove and add oil. Put the pork in and make it brown on all sides until it looks golden and beautiful.
2. Pour in water. Add your carrots, celery, and whole onions. Next comes the vinegar, sugar, and bay leaf. These make the meat extra tasty.
3. Put the lid on your pot. Wait until the water starts bubbling, then turn the heat down low. Now comes the waiting part - cook for one hour for each pound of meat. So if your meat weighs 4 pounds, cook it for 4 hours.
4. Your meat is ready when it feels very soft. Lift it out carefully with the vegetables and put them on a big plate. The meat should be so tender it falls apart when you pull it with a fork.
5. Pour some of the juice from the pot over your meat. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, soft noodles with butter, or a fresh green salad.

4. Oven

Ready in about 3 hours, this is a simple roast pork shoulder recipe. It's easy to cook this forgiving pork joint, but pork shoulder takes a long time in the oven to get really, really tender.

Ingredients:

• A big pork shoulder (2kg)
• A spoonful of vegetable oil
• One and a half spoons of sea salt
• One big onion, cut into rings

Steps

1. Heat your oven really hot - 240°C (or 220°C if your oven has a fan). Take your pork out of its package but leave the string tied around it. Use paper towels to make the skin super dry.
2. Take a sharp knife and cut lines in the skin to make diamond shapes. Make sure you cut into the fat under the skin. Rub oil all over the skin, getting it into all the cuts. Sprinkle salt everywhere on top and rub it in well.
3. Put your sliced onions in a big roasting pan. Place your pork right on top of them. Put it in the hot oven for about 20-30 minutes until the skin starts bubbling up.
4. Boil some water in your kettle. After the first hot roast, carefully pour hot water in the pan around the meat - don't get the skin wet! Turn the oven down to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens). Let it cook slowly for 2½ hours. This makes the meat super soft and juicy.
5. Turn the oven up high again (220°C or 200°C fan) for 20-25 minutes. This makes the skin extra crispy. Tap the skin with a knife - it should sound hard and crunchy. If not, give it 10 more minutes.
6. Let your pork rest for 20 minutes. Take off the crispy skin and break it into pieces. Cut the meat into slices and serve.

How Long To Cook Pork Shoulder?

For this recipe, you need to get right cooking time and method and you will end up with tender, juicy perfection from your pork shoulder.

It doesn't matter if you want smoky flavors or just a simple slow cooker meal — knowing how long to cook your pork makes all the difference between tough meat and melt in your mouth goodness.

1. Smoker

Cooking Time: 4-6 Hours

Smoking creates magic in 4-6 hours at 225-250°F. The steady stream of smoke paints your meat with flavor while the gentle heat works deep inside.

Watch your thermometer climb to that perfect 195-205°F sweet spot. When it hits this range, you'll know every bite will be tender and packed with smoky goodness.

2. Slow Cooker

Cooking Time: 5-6 hours on high and 10-11 hours on low

The slow cooker offers wonderful flexibility for busy days. Set it on high for a 5-6 hour journey to tenderness - perfect for those late-start mornings. Or choose the low setting for a 10-11 hour slow dance of flavors.

This gentle cooking method turns even the harshest cut into fork-tender meat that falls apart with just a touch.

3. Oven

Cooking Time: 4-6 hours

Oven roasting brings reliable results in 4-6 hours at 325-350°F. The steady heat wraps around your pork shoulder like a warm blanket, slowly melting away toughness until your thermometer reads at least 190°F.

Your kitchen fills with amazing aromas as the meat transforms into something spectacular.

4. Stovetop

Cooking Time: 1-2 hours

Need dinner faster? The stovetop delivers in 1-2 hours for smaller cuts. While quicker, this method still needs your attention - keep the heat moderate and check often. Think of it as the express route to tenderness, perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.

Remember this golden rule: The rest should be 15-30 minutes before serving your cooked pork. During this time, the juices settle into the meat once again, so every bite is more flavorful now than before. The simplest step turns good pork into great pork, regardless of your method of cooking.

How Long Does Cooked Pork Last In The Fridge?

Your freshly cooked pork needs a good home! Place it in an airtight vessel and store in your refrigerator. And the important part is - you have 3-4 days to thoroughly enjoy this tasty meat.

After that time, it's best to say goodbye to avoid any food safety issues. Just mark the date on your container with a sticky note to help you remember!

Looking to save your pork for future meals? Your freezer can keep it tasty for 2-3 months! Wrap it carefully in freezer-safe bags or containers.

Push out all the air before sealing - this helps prevent freezer burn and keeps your pork tasting fantastic. Set a date on each package so you’ll know exactly the date that package was stored.

How To Reheat Leftover Pork?

Reheating pork needs special attention to keep it safe and delicious. Let's inspect the best ways to do this!

Safe Thawing Methods:

• Refrigerator thawing: Place your frozen pork in the fridge overnight
• Cold water method: Submerge the sealed package in cold running water
• Microwave defrosting: Use your microwave's defrost setting for quick results
• Important: Avoid leaving pork on the counter to thaw - this creates a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow!

Reheating Techniques:

The key to safe pork is reaching 165°F inside. A food thermometer helps you get this exactly right! Here are two fantastic methods:

1. Oven Method:

This method spreads heat equally throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Ideal for any cut of pork, from pulled pork to roasted chunks, the oven method brings back that "fresh-cooked" taste you love.

• Warm up your oven to 325°F
• Place pork in an oven-safe dish
• Add a splash of broth or water for moisture
• Cover snugly with foil to lock in juices
• Heat until steaming hot throughout
• Check the temperature in the thickest part

2. Slow Cooker Method:

This gentle heating process helps your pork stay juicy and tender, making it perfect for pulled pork or larger portions. Plus, you can set it and forget it while you handle other tasks.

• Place pork in your slow cooker
• Add a quarter cup of liquid (broth, water, or sauce)
• Set to low heat
• Let it warm gradually
• Stir occasionally for even heating

Extra Tips for Amazing Results:

• Slice larger pieces into smaller portions for faster, even heating
• Add a bit of fresh sauce or seasonings to refresh the flavors
• Let meat rest for a few minutes after reheating
• Store leftovers immediately after meals
• Use clean utensils each time you serve
• Check for any unusual smells or appearance before eating

What To Serve With Pork Shoulder

Making your pork dinner extra special is easy, combine the tender meat with the sides that will do the best to enhance its flavor. These side dishes will make everyone at the table smile!

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

This smooth and creamy dish feels like silk in your mouth. The gentle garlic taste goes perfectly with pork, and it loves to drench up all the meat juices. Many kids enjoy it more than regular mashed potatoes because it's so light and fuzzy.

2. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

The top of this dish gets golden and crackly while the inside stays soft and cheesy. The crispy bits match your pork's crackling, and the creamy cheese sauce makes every bite better. This is a favorite with both grown-ups and kids - who can say no to mac and cheese?

3. Roasted Delicata Squash

These squash rings turn golden brown in the oven. They come out crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. Their natural sweetness makes your pork taste even better, and they add beautiful colors to your plate.

4. Cheese Grits Casserole

Warm, creamy, and filled with cheese - this Southern dish loves pork! The smooth grits catch all the tasty meat juices. When you take a bite of both together, the relishes blend into something amazing.

5. Couscous Fruit Salad

Light and fresh, this salad brings sweet fruit flavors to your plate. The tiny couscous balls mix with fruit to make every bite interesting. It helps balance the rich pork with its bright, fresh taste.

6. Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

Broccoli stays slightly crunchy under a blanket of melted cheese. The green veggie keeps things fresh while the cheese makes it extra tasty. It adds color to your plate and goes great with every bite of pork.

7. Lentil Stew

Lentils make the best partner for juicy pork shoulder. These tiny, round legumes soak up all the meaty flavors while adding their own nutty taste. When cooked just right, they turn soft and creamy, making every bite of pork even better.