Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Herb Garlic Rub
Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with a fragrant herb and garlic rub, perfect for a comforting family meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 315 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to form a fragrant herb garlic rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry the 4 pounds pork shoulder with paper towels and rub the herb garlic mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the meat to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Place the pork shoulder on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding to serve with your favorite sides.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Herb Garlic Rub 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 Herb Garlic 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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Herb Garlic 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 Herb Garlic Rub 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 Herb Garlic 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.
