Slow cooked pork shoulder served with herbs and vegetables

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder

Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless); 1.5 tbsp Salt (preferably kosher salt); 1 tbsp Black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tsp Garlic powder; 2 tsp Paprika (smoked or sweet); 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tbsp Brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness); 2 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil; 200 ml Water or chicken broth

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Pork: Easy and Delicious Recipes

easy

8 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories416kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat28gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)1.5 kg
Salt (preferably kosher salt)1.5 tbsp
Black pepper, freshly ground1 tbsp
Garlic powder2 tsp
Paprika (smoked or sweet)2 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)1 tbsp
Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
Water or chicken broth200 ml

This slow cooked pork shoulder recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for an easy and foolproof way to prepare tender, juicy pork that's packed with flavor. Using a slow cooker or a low oven temperature, the pork shoulder becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious with minimal hands-on time. The ingredients include a simple spice rub, ensuring you don't need fancy items to make this dish special. Safe food handling and correct internal temperature checks (minimum 71°C or 160°F) are emphasized to ensure your pork is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Total estimated cost for ingredients is around $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900, with approximately 2500 kcal for the whole recipe, making around 6 servings. Suitable for a standard diet, difficulty level is easy, and total cooking time is approximately 8 hours, but most of that is passive cooking time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Pork Shoulder

1Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the spice rub stick and promote better browning.

Mix the Spice Rub

2In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar or honey if using. This rub adds flavor and creates a tasty crust.

Apply the Spice Rub

3Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, covering all sides evenly. This will infuse the meat with rich flavor while it cooks.

Brown the Pork Shoulder (Optional but Recommended)

4Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork shoulder in the skillet and brown on all sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.

Transfer to Slow Cooker or Oven-Safe Dish

5Place the browned pork shoulder into your slow cooker or a roasting pan if using an oven. Pour the water or chicken broth around the meat (not over the rub) to keep it moist.

Slow Cook the Pork

6If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F), cover the pork with foil, and cook for about 6-8 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F) and pulls apart easily with a fork.

Check Internal Temperature Safely

7Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork, avoiding bones. Ensure pork has reached a safe internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) to kill harmful bacteria.

Rest the Pork Shoulder

8Remove the pork from heat and let it rest, covered loosely with foil, for 15-20 minutes. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Shred and Serve

9Use two forks to shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces. Serve as desired with your favorite sides or in sandwiches.

Cooking Tips

-Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw pork.

-If you don't have a slow cooker, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a tight lid to braise the pork in the oven.

-For extra flavor, add sliced onions, garlic cloves, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cooking liquid.

-Leftover pork can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Equipment Needed:

Slow cooker or Oven-safe roasting pan with lid
Meat thermometer
Large skillet for browning (optional)
Tongs or forks for handling meat
Mixing bowl for spice rub
Measuring spoons and cups

Shopping List:

[ ] Pork shoulder (1.5 kg) – Approx. $8. Look for a well-marbled shoulder for juicy meat.
[ ] Salt – Approx. $0.50. Kosher salt is best for even seasoning.
[ ] Black pepper – Approx. $1. Freshly ground yields best flavor.
[ ] Garlic powder – Approx. $1.
[ ] Paprika – Approx. $1.
[ ] Onion powder – Approx. $1.
[ ] Brown sugar or honey – Approx. $1.
[ ] Olive oil – Approx. $2.
[ ] Chicken broth (or water) – Approx. $1.

Total estimated cost: $12-15

FAQ

Can I use boneless pork shoulder?

Yes, boneless pork shoulder can be used and it will cook slightly faster. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can slow cook the pork shoulder in a low oven temperature (around 120°C / 250°F) in a covered roasting pan.

How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches at least 71°C (160°F). The pork should also be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes can be added around the pork for a complete meal, but be aware they may become very soft after long cooking.