If you’re craving a tender, juicy pork shoulder that falls apart with each bite, slow cooking is the way to go. While grilling and smoking are popular methods, cooking a pork shoulder in the oven yields equally delicious results. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful, as the low heat helps break down the tough connective tissues.

The first step to slow cooking a pork shoulder in the oven is choosing the right cut of meat. Look for a pork shoulder with plenty of marbling, as this will ensure a moist and flavorful final product. When selecting a size, keep in mind that larger shoulders will take longer to cook. A bone-in pork shoulder will also add additional flavor, but a boneless one will work just as well.

Before cooking, it’s important to season the pork shoulder properly. Create a dry rub using a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other desired spices. Massage the dry rub into the meat, making sure to cover all sides. For a deeper and more complex flavor, let the pork shoulder rest in the refrigerator overnight to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.

To begin the slow cooking process, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan or oven-proof dish, and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This will help keep the moisture locked in, allowing the meat to become tender and juicy. Cook the pork shoulder for several hours, depending on its size. As a general rule of thumb, allow for about 1.5 hours of cooking time per pound of meat.

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After the recommended cooking time has elapsed, remove the foil and check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder using a meat thermometer. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s fully cooked. If additional cooking is needed, return the pork shoulder to the oven, uncovered, and continue cooking until the desired temperature is reached.

Once the pork shoulder is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing or shredding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender. Serve the slow-cooked pork shoulder as a main dish, or use it as a flavorful filling for sandwiches or tacos. However you choose to enjoy it, you’ll savor every delicious and succulent bite!

Preparation

Before cooking the pork shoulder, there are a few important things you need to do to prepare it properly:

  1. Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is necessary for flavor and tenderness, you don’t want too much, as it can make the meat greasy.
  2. Next, season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat. You can also add other spices or herbs of your choice to customize the flavor.
  3. If you have time, let the seasoned pork shoulder sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps to tenderize it.
  4. Before cooking, take the pork shoulder out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly.
  5. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. A low and slow cooking method is best for a pork shoulder, so aim for a temperature between 275°F (135°C) and 325°F (165°C).
  6. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan or a Dutch oven with the fat side up. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist and flavorful.
  7. If you want, you can add some liquid to the pan, such as broth, cider, or wine, to help keep the pork shoulder moist during the cooking process.
  8. Cover the roasting pan or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil to trap in the heat and moisture. This will help create a tender and juicy pork shoulder.
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Once you have completed these preparation steps, you are ready to start slow cooking your pork shoulder in the oven.

Gather the ingredients

Before you start slow cooking a pork shoulder in the oven, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

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  • 1 pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless (around 5-7 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

Note: You can adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add any additional herbs or spices that you enjoy.

Having all the ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother. So, gather everything and let’s get started!

Trim the excess fat

Before slow cooking your pork shoulder in the oven, it is important to trim off any excess fat. This will help to prevent your meat from becoming too greasy and will result in a more tender and flavorful final dish.

What you will need:

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Place the pork shoulder on a clean cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  2. Identify any large chunks of fat on the surface of the meat.
  3. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off these fat chunks by sliding the knife along the surface of the meat.
  4. Continue trimming off any additional excess fat, working your way around the pork shoulder.
  5. Be sure not to remove all of the fat, as it adds flavor and moisture to the meat. Only remove the large, thick chunks.
  6. Once you have finished trimming the excess fat, you are ready to proceed with the recipe for slow cooking your pork shoulder in the oven.
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By trimming the excess fat from your pork shoulder before slow cooking, you will ensure that your final dish is succulent, flavorful, and free from unnecessary grease. Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked pork shoulder!

Season the pork shoulder

Before placing the pork shoulder in the oven, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here’s how to do it:

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Gather your ingredients

Make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

  • 1 pork shoulder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried rosemary

Prepare the seasoning mixture

In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried rosemary. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed.

Apply the seasoning

Place the pork shoulder on a clean cutting board or platter. Using your hands, rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover all sides.

Note: If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mixture.

Once the pork shoulder is properly seasoned, you can proceed to slow cook it in the oven following the remaining steps of the recipe.

Cooking

When it comes to cooking a pork shoulder in the oven, there are a few key steps to keep in mind to ensure a delicious and tender final result. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Preparation

Before cooking the pork shoulder, it is important to properly prepare it. Start by removing any excess fat from the meat. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. Next, season the pork shoulder with your desired spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Slow cooking

Slow cooking is the key to achieving a tender and juicy pork shoulder. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan or Dutch oven and cover it with a lid or foil to keep in the moisture. Cook the pork shoulder for several hours, usually around 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the meat. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for about an hour per pound.

  • Make sure to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder using a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature should be around 195-205°F (90-96°C) for a tender result.
  • Baste the pork shoulder occasionally with its juices to keep it moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

3. Resting and serving

Once the pork shoulder reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender. Use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany the pork shoulder. After resting, slice or shred the pork shoulder as desired and serve it hot.

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By following these steps, you can achieve a perfectly cooked pork shoulder with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and full of flavor.

Preheat the oven

Before you start cooking your pork shoulder, it’s important to preheat your oven. Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the desired temperature and helps to evenly cook the meat.

To preheat your oven, follow these simple steps:

  1. Check the oven: Make sure that your oven is clean and in proper working condition. Remove any trays or racks that may be inside.
  2. Turn on the oven: Locate the oven control panel and turn on the oven by pressing the power button.
  3. Select the temperature: Use the temperature dial or keypad to set the oven temperature according to your recipe. For slow cooking a pork shoulder, a temperature of 275°F (135°C) is recommended.
  4. Wait for preheating: Give your oven some time to reach the desired temperature. Depending on your oven, this may take around 10-15 minutes.
  5. Use an oven thermometer: For more accuracy, consider using an oven thermometer to verify the actual temperature inside the oven. This step is particularly important for slow cooking, as maintaining a consistent temperature is key.

Once your oven has reached the desired temperature, you’re ready to place your prepared pork shoulder inside and begin the slow cooking process.

Q&A

What temperature should I set the oven to when slow cooking a pork shoulder?

You should set the oven to a temperature of 275-300°F (135-150°C) when slow cooking a pork shoulder.

How long does it take to slow cook a pork shoulder in the oven?

The cooking time for a pork shoulder in the oven can vary depending on the size of the shoulder. As a general guideline, it can take approximately 4-6 hours to slow cook a 4-6 pound (1.8-2.7 kg) pork shoulder in the oven.

What should I season the pork shoulder with before slow cooking?

Before slow cooking a pork shoulder in the oven, you can season it with a variety of spices and herbs. A classic combination includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.

Should I cover the pork shoulder with foil while slow cooking in the oven?

It is recommended to cover the pork shoulder with foil while slow cooking in the oven. This helps to keep the meat moist and tender. However, if you prefer a crispy exterior, you can uncover the pork shoulder for the last hour of cooking.