Slow cooked marinated pork shoulder sliced and served on a plate

Tender & Juicy Slow Cooked Marinated Pork Shoulder

Tender & Juicy Slow Cooked Marinated Pork Shoulder
easystar
8 hourtime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat22gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)1.5 kg
  • Olive oil2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce4 tbsp
  • Honey2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves, minced4 pieces
  • Ground black pepper1 tsp
  • Salt1.5 tsp
  • Paprika1 tbsp
  • Onion powder1 tsp
  • Apple cider vinegar2 tbsp

This recipe teaches you how to slow cook a marinated pork shoulder that turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. With a straightforward marinade and slow cooking method, even beginners can make a delicious pork shoulder dish at home. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 / €11 / £9.50 / ₹900. The dish contains around 350 calories per serving, suitable for a balanced diet. Difficulty: Easy. Total time about 8 hours (including marinating and slow cooking).

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade

1In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ground black pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This marinade will infuse the pork with deep, balanced flavors.

Marinate the pork shoulder

2Place the pork shoulder in a large zip-lock bag or a covered container. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it's evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to let the flavors soak in. Always marinate in the fridge to keep the meat safe.

Set up the slow cooker

3Remove the pork from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Transfer the pork and marinade to the slow cooker. Ensure your slow cooker is clean to prevent cross-contamination.

Slow cook the pork

4Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 70°C (160°F) for safety, but typically slow cooked pork shoulder benefits from around 90-95°C (195-205°F) to break down connective tissue for tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Rest and serve

5Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then shred or slice as desired and serve. Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow-cooked pork shoulder!

Cooking Tips

1Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature.

2For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or a liquid smoke drop to the marinade.

3If you don't have a slow cooker, cook the pork in a low oven (150°C/300°F) covered in a roasting pan for 4-5 hours.

4Save the cooking juices to make a delicious sauce or for moistening the shredded pork.

5Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning all surfaces and utensils that touch raw pork with hot soapy water.

Equipment needed:

  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs or fork

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Pork shoulder (1.5 kg) - approx. $8 (Choose fresh, pale pink meat with firm texture)
  • [ ] Olive oil (small bottle) - approx. $3 (Extra virgin for best flavor)
  • [ ] Soy sauce (small bottle) - approx. $2 (Low sodium if preferred)
  • [ ] Honey (small jar) - approx. $4 (Pure honey preferred)
  • [ ] Garlic (1 bulb) - approx. $0.50 (Fresh with firm cloves)
  • [ ] Ground black pepper (small pack) - approx. $1 (Freshly ground for better taste)
  • [ ] Salt (iodized) - approx. $1 (Basic kitchen staple)
  • [ ] Paprika (small jar) - approx. $2 (Choose sweet or smoked for variation)
  • [ ] Onion powder (small jar) - approx. $2 (Check expiration for freshness)
  • [ ] Apple cider vinegar (small bottle) - approx. $3 (Look for raw, unfiltered for best taste) Total approx. $26.50 Tips: Purchase store-brand where possible to reduce cost. Freshness of pork is key for best results.

FAQ

Can I use a boneless pork shoulder?

Yes, boneless pork shoulder works well for slow cooking and marinading. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed depending on size.

Is it safe to slow cook pork shoulder at low temperatures?

Yes, as long as the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (160°F) to kill any harmful bacteria. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure safety.

Can I marinate the pork for less than 4 hours?

You can marinate for as little as 1 hour if needed, but longer marinating (ideally overnight) improves flavor and tenderness.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook the pork shoulder covered in a roasting pan at 150°C (300°F) oven for 4-5 hours until tender.