Slow-Roasted Brazilian Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Garlic

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-roasted with a fragrant blend of garlic, orange, and lime for a succulent Brazilian-inspired main dish. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 335 minutes pairs pork shoulder, minced garlic cloves, orange juice 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: 315 min Serves 8 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, combine 8 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade thoroughly over the 4 lbs pork shoulder, ensuring all sides are covered. Place pork in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
  3. Step 3: Roast the pork shoulder in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender and internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast for an additional 15 minutes to develop a crispy outer crust.
  5. Step 5: Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Brazilian Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 335 minutes (20 min prep + 315 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 Brazilian Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Brazilian Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Brazilian Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Garlic 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 Brazilian Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Garlic?

Brazilian 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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