Slow-Roasted Istrian Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary

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

Juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted to perfection with fragrant garlic and rosemary, evoking the rustic flavors of Istrian countryside cooking. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 280 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, sliced, fresh rosemary sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 260 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Using a sharp knife, make 12 small slits all over the 3 lbs pork shoulder and insert 6 sliced garlic cloves and 4 fresh rosemary sprigs into the slits.
  2. Step 2: Rub the pork shoulder all over with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan with 1 medium quartered yellow onion and 2 medium large carrot chunks around it. Pour 1/2 cup dry white wine into the pan.
  4. Step 4: Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 4 hours, basting every hour with the pan juices, until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes until the exterior is golden and crisp. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Istrian Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 280 minutes (20 min prep + 260 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 Istrian Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary?

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 Istrian Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary?

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 Istrian Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary 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 Istrian Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary?

Mediterranean 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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