Slow-Roasted Herb and Garlic Pork Shoulder

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, juicy pork shoulder infused with fresh herbs and garlic, slow-roasted to develop deep flavors perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 6 cloves minced garlic, and 3 tbsp olive oil to create an herb rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lbs pork shoulder evenly with the herb mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Place sliced 1 large yellow onion in the bottom of a roasting pan and set the pork shoulder on top.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup chicken broth into the pan around the pork, not over the top, to keep the rub intact. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily, basting every hour with pan juices for added moisture.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the exterior. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Herb and Garlic 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 Herb and Garlic 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 Herb and Garlic Pork Shoulder 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-Roasted Herb and Garlic 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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