Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Old-World Spice Rub

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

Juicy slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with a blend of traditional old-world spices, perfect for tender pulled pork sandwiches or hearty dinners. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 340 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 20 min Cook: 320 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the old-world spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over the surface of a 4 lb bone-in pork shoulder. Generously coat the pork with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil and roast in a preheated oven at 275°F for 5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Roast the pork uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to develop a crispy crust.
  5. Step 5: Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before shredding with two forks. Drizzle with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and toss lightly to add tangy moisture.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pulled pork on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Old-World Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 340 minutes (20 min prep + 320 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 Old-World Spice 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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Old-World Spice 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 Old-World Spice 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 Old-World Spice Rub?

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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