Slow-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Creole Mustard Sauce

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

A tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with bold Cajun spices, served alongside a tangy Creole mustard sauce that complements the rich flavors. This southern-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes blends pork shoulder, olive oil, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 300 min Serves 8 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder with 2 tbsp olive oil. Combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl and coat the pork evenly with this spice mix.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan fat side up. Roast in the oven for 4 to 5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to shred easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, whisk together 1/4 cup Creole mustard, 2 tbsp whole grain mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl to make the Creole mustard sauce.
  4. Step 4: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes after roasting, then shred the meat with two forks and serve with the mustard sauce drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Creole Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Creole Mustard Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Creole Mustard Sauce?

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 Cajun-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Creole Mustard Sauce 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 Cajun-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Creole Mustard Sauce?

Southern 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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