Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Cumin and Orange

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

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with warm cumin and bright orange zest, creating a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for any meal. This latin american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 290 minutes pairs boneless pork shoulder, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 270 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 2 tbsp olive oil over 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder. Mix 1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp orange zest, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, then massage this spice blend evenly over the pork.
  2. Step 2: Place pork in a roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 cup chicken broth around it.
  3. Step 3: Cover tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil and roast uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to develop a caramelized crust. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 290 minutes (20 min prep + 270 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 Cumin and Orange?

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 boneless pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Cumin and Orange?

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 Cumin and Orange 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 Cumin and Orange?

Latin American slow cooker 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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