A tender, flavorful roast that’s perfect for a family meal – juicy, savory, and full of rich flavors!
This Pork Shoulder Roast is a family favorite for good reason – it’s incredibly tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. I decided to make it because pork shoulder is so versatile and cooks beautifully when slow-roasted. The fat renders down, making the meat moist and full of flavor.
My family loves this dish because it’s comforting, simple, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad, this pork roast is the perfect centerpiece for any dinner. It’s an easy meal for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I cook the pork shoulder in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! A slow cooker is a great option for cooking pork shoulder. Just sear the roast first for a nice crust, then cook it on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
Q: Can I use boneless pork shoulder?
A: Absolutely! Boneless pork shoulder works just as well as bone-in. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless roasts can cook a little faster.
Q: How do I get crispy skin on the roast?
A: To achieve crispy skin, roast the pork shoulder at a high temperature (around 450°F/230°C) for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Make sure the skin is dry before you roast it to ensure the skin crisps up nicely.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover pork shoulder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add vegetables to cook with the roast?
A: Yes! Carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic are excellent additions to roast alongside the pork shoulder. They’ll soak up the flavors from the pork and make a perfect side dish.
What You Need to Make Pork Shoulder Roast
For the Roast:
- 4-5 lb bone-in pork shoulder (or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
For the Vegetables (optional):
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
How to Make Pork Shoulder Roast
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the pork shoulder:
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the pork, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the roast:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the meat is browned. This step helps lock in the flavors.
4. Add liquid and vegetables (optional):
Add the apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. If you’re adding vegetables, arrange them around the pork roast in the pan. You can also add a bit of brown sugar for sweetness, if desired.
5. Roast the pork:
Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 3-4 hours (or 25-30 minutes per pound) until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. If you want a crispy skin, remove the cover for the last 15-20 minutes and increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C).
6. Rest and serve:
Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve the roast with the cooked vegetables and any pan juices.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, or sage to the roasting pan for more depth of flavor.
- Shred it: For pulled pork, simply shred the meat with two forks once it’s done cooking, and toss it in the pan juices for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “This pork shoulder was so tender and juicy! The seasoning was perfect, and the crispy skin was a nice touch. I’ll definitely be making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel T. – “I tried this recipe with some roasted potatoes and carrots, and it was delicious. The pork was fall-apart tender, and the flavor was incredible.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie H. – “This is hands down the best roast I’ve made. The pork was perfectly seasoned, and the skin was so crispy. My family loved it.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena P. – “The pork was so flavorful and easy to make! The apple cider vinegar added a great depth to the flavor. I’ll definitely be making this again for a weekend meal.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma S. – “I’ve made pork roasts before, but this one was my favorite. The meat was so tender, and the vegetables cooked perfectly in the juices. My kids loved it!”
Printable Recipe
Pork Shoulder Roast
This Pork Shoulder Roast is a tender and juicy roast with a flavorful seasoning blend and a savory, rich glaze. Perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Roast:
- 4-5 lb bone-in pork shoulder (or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- For the Vegetables (optional):
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the pork shoulder:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the pork, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the roast:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the meat is browned. This step helps lock in the flavors.
Add liquid and vegetables (optional):
- Add the apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. If you're adding vegetables, arrange them around the pork roast in the pan. You can also add a bit of brown sugar for sweetness, if desired.
Roast the pork:
- Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 3-4 hours (or 25-30 minutes per pound) until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. If you want a crispy skin, remove the cover for the last 15-20 minutes and increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C).
Rest and serve:
- Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve the roast with the cooked vegetables and any pan juices.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Pork Shoulder Roast, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for any gathering. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your roast turns out!
