Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Olive Oil

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-roasted with a simple garlic and olive oil rub, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 285 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, minced, extra virgin olive oil 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 270 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme to form a paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the paste all over the entire surface of the 4-pound pork shoulder, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for about 4 to 4.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Olive Oil take to make?

Total time is about 285 minutes (15 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 Garlic and Olive Oil?

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 Garlic and Olive Oil?

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 Garlic and Olive Oil 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 Garlic and Olive Oil?

American bbq & smoked 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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