Slow-Imbibe Pork Shoulder with Honey-Ginger Glaze

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

A fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder that absorbs aromatic spices and sweet glaze during a low-and-slow cook. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 735 minutes pairs pork shoulder butt, coarse sea salt, black peppercorns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 720 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 3 lbs pork shoulder dry, then rub with 1.5 tbsp coarse sea salt, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, and 1 tsp dried thyme, pressing gently to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Place pork shoulder fat-side up in a 6-quart slow cooker, cover with lid, and cook on LOW for 8 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Carefully remove pork, then whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush the glaze evenly over the pork, return to slow cooker, and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 minutes until glaze bubbles and thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Imbibe Pork Shoulder with Honey-Ginger Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 735 minutes (15 min prep + 720 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-Imbibe Pork Shoulder with Honey-Ginger Glaze?

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 Slow-Imbibe Pork Shoulder with Honey-Ginger Glaze?

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-Imbibe Pork Shoulder with Honey-Ginger Glaze 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-Imbibe Pork Shoulder with Honey-Ginger Glaze?

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.

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