Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder

Discover the magic of transforming an affordable cut of meat into a show-stopping feast with this incredible slow-roasted pork shoulder recipe. With its irresistibly tender meat and crackling crisp skin, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

The Secret to Perfect Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is a flavorful cut that’s ideal for slow cooking. This method breaks down the tough connective tissues, resulting in succulent, fall-apart meat that’s packed with rich flavor. The long, slow roast followed by a blast of high heat creates a stunning contrast between the melt-in-your-mouth interior and the crispy, bubbly skin.

Ingredients

• 1 whole bone-in, skin-on pork shoulder (8 to 12 pounds)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) and position the rack in the middle.
2. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on the sheet and cover it with parchment paper. Generously season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper, then place it on the prepared rack. Roast for approximately 8 hours, or until a knife or fork inserted into the side twists easily with little resistance.
3. Once done, remove the pork from the oven and tent with foil. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to 2 hours. Increase the oven temperature to 500°F. Once preheated, return the pork to the oven and roast for about 20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes, until the skin is blistered and puffed. Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for an additional 15 minutes. Serve by either pulling the meat apart in the kitchen or bringing it to the table for guests to enjoy, along with their choice of sauce.

Chef’s Tips

For a delicious pan sauce, skip the aluminum foil during roasting. After the pork is done, drain the excess fat and deglaze the baking sheet with two cups of white wine, chicken stock, or a combination. Heat the sheet over a burner, scrape up the flavorful browned bits, and transfer to a small saucepan. Season to taste and finish by whisking in two tablespoons of butter off the heat.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile pork shoulder is perfect for a variety of dishes. Try it in sandwiches with coleslaw, use it as a filling for tacos or empanadas, or add it to soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!