Crisp-Crusted Herb-Imbued Pork Shoulder
A slow-cooked pork shoulder marinated in a fragrant herb paste that soaks deep into the meat, resulting in tender, flavorful slices with a golden crust. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 235 minutes pairs pork shoulder butt, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork shoulder butt
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, mash 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp fresh thyme, and 4 garlic cloves with 2 tbsp olive oil to form a paste.
- Step 2: Rub the paste evenly over the entire 2.5 lbs pork shoulder butt, pressing gently to ensure absorption, then let sit for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Place pork in a roasting pan, pour 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar around it, and cover loosely with foil. Roast for 3 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F, then uncover and roast 30 minutes more until golden brown.
- Step 4: Remove pork, let rest 15 minutes, then slice. Mix 1 tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 tbsp pan juices to create a thick glaze, drizzling over slices before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp-Crusted Herb-Imbued Pork Shoulder take to make?
Total time is about 235 minutes (25 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crisp-Crusted Herb-Imbued Pork Shoulder?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder butt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Crusted Herb-Imbued Pork Shoulder?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crisp-Crusted Herb-Imbued Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crisp-Crusted Herb-Imbued Pork Shoulder?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Perfect slow cooker recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
