Slow-Roasted Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder

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

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder glazed with a sweet and smoky bourbon sauce perfect for a Derby Day feast. This american-inspired pork ready in about 220 minutes pairs pork shoulder, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 200 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice mixture.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork in a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 3 hours, basting every hour with a mixture of 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to build a glossy glaze.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, increase oven temperature to 425°F and roast for an additional 20 minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with pan juices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 220 minutes (20 min prep + 200 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-Roasted Bourbon-Glazed 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 Slow-Roasted Bourbon-Glazed 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 Slow-Roasted Bourbon-Glazed 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 Slow-Roasted Bourbon-Glazed 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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