Slow-cooked pork shoulder served on a plate with vegetables

Tender, Juicy Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder - Healthy and Delicious

Name: Tender, Juicy Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder - Healthy and Delicious
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg Pork shoulder (boneless, skinless); 4 piece Garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Ground black pepper; 1 tsp Salt; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 piece Onion, sliced; 2 piece Carrots, chopped; 1 cup Water or chicken broth

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

easy

8 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat15gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Pork shoulder (boneless, skinless)1.5 kg
Garlic cloves, minced4 piece
Low-sodium soy sauce3 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar2 tbsp
Honey or maple syrup1 tbsp
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Ground black pepper1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Olive oil2 tbsp
Onion, sliced1 piece
Carrots, chopped2 piece
Water or chicken broth1 cup

This healthy slow-cooked pork shoulder recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for a delicious and tender meal without complicated steps. Using simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful pork shoulder that pairs beautifully with vegetables or salads. All ingredients are easy to find in common supermarkets, and the slow cooking method ensures the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Total cost for ingredients is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900. The dish provides around 350 kcal per serving and suits a balanced diet. Complexity level is easy, and total cooking plus preparation time is about 8 hours and 30 minutes, mostly hands-off cooking.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the pork shoulder

1Pat dry the pork shoulder with paper towels to remove moisture; this helps develop better flavors. Mince the garlic cloves finely.

Make the marinade and rub the pork

2In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat.

Prepare vegetables and slow cooker

3Place sliced onion and chopped carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and pour 1 cup of water or chicken broth to keep moisture during cooking.

Add the pork and start slow cooking

4Place the pork shoulder on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid tightly. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 8 hours. The slow cooking will break down the meat fibers, making it tender and flavorful.

Check internal temperature for safety

5After cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder. It should reach at least 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption. For even more tenderness, 90°C (195°F) is ideal. If it has not reached this temperature, continue cooking and check again after 30 minutes.

Rest and shred the pork

6Once the pork is fully cooked and safe to eat, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute. Shred the pork using two forks for pulled pork style.

Serve and enjoy safely

7Serve the shredded pork with the cooked vegetables or use it in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Ensure leftovers are refrigerated promptly within 2 hours and reheated to 75°C (165°F) before eating.

Cooking Tips

1If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon more honey or a splash of orange juice to the marinade.

2Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw pork.

3Leftover pork can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Serving utensils

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Pork shoulder, boneless, skinless (1.5 kg) - Approx. $8. Choose fresh, firm meat without discoloration.
[ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - Approx. $0.50. Look for plump, firm cloves.
[ ] Low-sodium soy sauce (small bottle) - Approx. $2. Helps reduce saltiness.
[ ] Apple cider vinegar (small bottle) - Approx. $2. Choose organic if possible.
[ ] Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp) - Approx. $1. Natural sweetener for balance.
[ ] Smoked paprika (1 tsp) - Approx. $1. Adds smoky depth.
[ ] Black pepper grinder or ground (1 tsp) - Approx. $1.
[ ] Salt (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.10.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50.
[ ] Onion (1 piece) - Approx. $0.30. Choose firm and heavy.
[ ] Carrots (2 pieces) - Approx. $0.60. Look for bright orange and firm carrots.
[ ] Chicken broth or water (1 cup) - Approx. $0.50.

Total Approximate Cost: $12.00

FAQ

Can I use bone-in pork shoulder instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in. It might take a bit longer to cook and can add extra flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when the pork shoulder is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be at least 75°C (165°F) to be safe, but 90°C (195°F) makes it more tender and pull-apart ready.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook pork shoulder in a low oven (around 140°C / 285°F) covered, for 3-4 hours until tender, but a slow cooker is more convenient and consistent.