Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Paprika Rub

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

A tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder encrusted with a robust garlic and smoked paprika rub, perfect for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 280 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), smoked paprika, garlic powder 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: 260 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tbsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and rub 3 tbsp olive oil evenly over the surface. Then rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork in a roasting pan fat side up and tuck 4 minced garlic cloves around it. Pour 1 cup water into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist.
  4. Step 4: Cover loosely with foil and roast for 4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to shred.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and roast uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to crisp the exterior. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Paprika Rub 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 Garlic and Paprika 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 pork shoulder (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Paprika 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 Garlic and Paprika 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 Garlic and Paprika 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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