Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mustard and Regional Herb Rub
Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with a zesty mustard and herb rub reflecting the essence of regional Southern aromatics, perfect for slicing or shredding. This american-inspired pork ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork shoulder, Dijon mustard, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form a thick herb rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and coat evenly with the mustard-herb rub, pressing to adhere the mixture all over the meat.
- Step 3: Place the pork shoulder on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is fork-tender.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes. Drizzle with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and slice or shred the pork for serving, spooning pan juices over the top for extra moisture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mustard and Regional Herb Rub take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Mustard and Regional Herb 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mustard and Regional Herb 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 Mustard and Regional Herb 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 Mustard and Regional Herb 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.