Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Spanish Citrus Marinade

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

Juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted after marinating in a vibrant blend of garlic, orange, and smoked paprika, perfect for slicing or shredding in sandwiches and meals. This Spanish-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 315 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lemon juice 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: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 8 Spanish cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place the 2 kg boneless pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the meat, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on a roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 4-5 hours until tender and easily shredded, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  4. Step 4: Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve as a main dish or use in sandwiches or tacos.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Spanish Citrus Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Spanish Citrus Marinade?

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 Spanish Citrus Marinade?

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 Spanish Citrus Marinade 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 Spanish Citrus Marinade?

Spanish 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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