Slow-Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A succulent pork shoulder slow-roasted with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, resulting in tender meat with a flavorful crust. This american-inspired pork ready in about 260 minutes pairs pounds, bone-in pork shoulder, minced garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to make a herb-garlic paste.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder with paper towels. Rub the herb-garlic paste all over the pork shoulder, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup water into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Roast the pork shoulder uncovered for about 4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is fork-tender with a golden crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing or pulling apart. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Garlic and Herb 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 pounds, bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Garlic and Herb 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 Garlic and Herb 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 Garlic and Herb 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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