Slow-Cooked Peruvian-Style Pork Shoulder with Aji Verde

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with traditional Peruvian spices, served with a vibrant, spicy aji verde sauce for an unforgettable Latin American feast. This latin american ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, boneless, garlic cloves, minced, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp white vinegar to make a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture. Place pork in a slow cooker, add 1 cup water, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare aji verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred with two forks and mix with cooking juices. Serve topped generously with the aji verde sauce for a zesty, creamy contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Peruvian-Style Pork Shoulder with Aji Verde take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Slow-Cooked Peruvian-Style Pork Shoulder with Aji Verde?

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, boneless from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Peruvian-Style Pork Shoulder with Aji Verde?

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 Slow-Cooked Peruvian-Style Pork Shoulder with Aji Verde 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 Slow-Cooked Peruvian-Style Pork Shoulder with Aji Verde?

Latin American latin american 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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