Slow-Roasted Istrian Pork Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic

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

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder seasoned with fresh rosemary and garlic, capturing the rustic flavors of Istria. This mediterranean-inspired pork (mediterranean) ready in about 280 minutes pairs pork shoulder, fresh rosemary, garlic cloves 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: 260 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to form a fragrant paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the rosemary-garlic mixture evenly all over the 4-pound bone-in pork shoulder, massaging into the crevices.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, pour 1 cup dry white wine and 1/2 cup water into the pan to keep meat moist during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Cover pan tightly with foil and slow roast in the preheated oven for 4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the pork is fork-tender and falling apart.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 425°F, and roast for an additional 20 minutes uncovered to crisp the exterior.
  6. Step 6: Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices spooned over the meat for a rich, aromatic finish.

Frequently asked questions

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

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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