Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Pork Shoulder with Istrian Olive Oil

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

A tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with fragrant Istrian olive oil and Mediterranean herbs, delivering a rich and aromatic main dish. This mediterranean-inspired pork (mediterranean herbs) ready in about 280 minutes pairs pork shoulder, Istrian olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary 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 275°F (135°C). Pat dry 3 lbs pork shoulder, then rub all over with 4 tbsp Istrian olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 5 smashed garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon zest.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and pour 1 cup white wine around it to keep moisture. Cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: Roast in the preheated oven for 4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the pork is fork-tender and the exterior is golden.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast for an additional 20 minutes to crisp the edges, then let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Pork Shoulder with Istrian Olive Oil 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 Mediterranean Pork Shoulder with Istrian Olive Oil?

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 Mediterranean Pork Shoulder with Istrian Olive Oil?

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 Mediterranean Pork Shoulder with Istrian Olive Oil 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 Mediterranean Pork Shoulder with Istrian Olive Oil?

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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