Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Latin Citrus Adobo

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

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant citrus adobo sauce, blending tangy orange and zesty lime with traditional Latin spices. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 275 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 260 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place the 3 lbs pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade, adding 2 bay leaves and 2 tbsp olive oil. Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
  4. Step 4: Roast the pork shoulder for 4 hours until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily. Every hour, baste with 1/4 cup of the reserved marinade to keep moist and flavorful.
  5. Step 5: Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the edges are slightly caramelized and crispy. Let rest 15 minutes before shredding and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Latin Citrus Adobo take to make?

Total time is about 275 minutes (15 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 Latin Citrus Adobo?

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 Latin Citrus Adobo?

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 Latin Citrus Adobo 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 Latin Citrus Adobo?

Latin 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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