Oven-Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Shoulder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple pork shoulder roast infused with garlic and olive oil, oven-roasted until tender and golden brown for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 8 American cuisine 540 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil with 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder with paper towels. Rub the garlic and herb mixture evenly all over the pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat and under the skin where possible.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup water into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every hour with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the exterior is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 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 Oven-Roasted Garlic and Herb 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Garlic and Herb 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 Oven-Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Oven-Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Shoulder?

American pork 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.

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