Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Five-Spice Glaze

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

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with aromatic five-spice and a caramelized honey glaze, perfect for a comforting family meal. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes pairs pork shoulder, Chinese five-spice powder, salt 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Chinese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Rub the 3 pounds pork shoulder evenly with 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper, making sure to cover all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Brush half of this glaze all over the pork.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork shoulder for 3 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 45 minutes, until the meat is fork-tender and the glaze has caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with the pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Five-Spice Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 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 Five-Spice 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Five-Spice 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 Five-Spice 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 Five-Spice Glaze?

Chinese 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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