Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Cap City Diner BBQ Glaze
Juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted to tender perfection, finished with a tangy and smoky BBQ glaze inspired by Columbus diner flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in)
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Rub 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Transfer the skillet with the pork to the oven and roast uncovered for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is fork-tender.
- Step 4: While pork roasts, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until thickened into a BBQ glaze.
- Step 5: Remove pork from oven and brush generously with the BBQ glaze. Let rest 15 minutes before shredding or slicing to serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Cap City Diner BBQ Glaze 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 Pork Shoulder with Cap City Diner BBQ Glaze?
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 (bone-in) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Cap City Diner BBQ Glaze?
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 Pork Shoulder with Cap City Diner BBQ Glaze 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 Pork Shoulder with Cap City Diner BBQ Glaze?
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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