Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Cherry BBQ Sauce

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

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder glazed with a rich smoky cherry BBQ sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes blends pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 180 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 4-5 minutes until browned and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Mince 4 fresh garlic cloves finely. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup cherry preserves, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp chipotle powder, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup water, and the minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  3. Step 3: Brush half of the smoky cherry BBQ sauce over the seared pork shoulder. Cover the skillet tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours, basting with remaining sauce every hour, until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Cherry BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Cherry BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Cherry BBQ Sauce?

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 Smoky Cherry BBQ Sauce 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 Smoky Cherry BBQ Sauce?

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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