Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Herb Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with bright citrus and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, orange zest, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, 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: 300 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a fragrant rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder and rub the citrus herb mixture all over the pork, making sure to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up in a roasting pan and pour 1 cup chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during roasting.
  4. Step 4: Cover loosely with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours, basting every hour with the pan juices, until the meat is fork-tender and an internal temperature of 195°F is reached.
  5. Step 5: Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the top to brown. Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving with the pan juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Herb Rub 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 Citrus and Herb 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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Citrus and Herb 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 Herb Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Herb Rub?

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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