Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Garlic

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

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with aromatic fennel and garlic, yielding a flavorful and juicy centerpiece perfect for family dinners. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 280 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), fennel seeds, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 260 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Pat dry 4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder and rub evenly with 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, 6 sliced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over and massage into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 1 large sliced yellow onion, 2 large chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place the pork shoulder on top of the vegetables.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/2 cup dry white wine into the pan around the pork and cover tightly with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to crisp the exterior. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with the roasted vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Garlic 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 Pork Shoulder with Fennel and Garlic?

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 Fennel and Garlic?

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 Fennel and Garlic 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 Fennel and Garlic?

Italian 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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