Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Cumin Rub

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

Tender, fall-apart pork shoulder seasoned with a fragrant citrus and cumin rub, slow roasted to develop deep, authentic flavors perfect for family dinners. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange zest, ground cumin 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: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp orange zest, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil all over the 4 lbs pork shoulder, then evenly coat it with the spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 4 hours, basting every hour with 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, until the meat is fork-tender and the edges begin to caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing to serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Cumin Rub take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Citrus and Cumin Rub?

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 Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Cumin Rub?

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 Citrus and Cumin Rub 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 Citrus and Cumin Rub?

Mexican 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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