Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Cherry Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder finished with a vibrant, tangy cherry glaze infused with warming spices. This american-inspired pork ready in about 230 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 210 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder with 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme and 4 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Place pork shoulder in a roasting pan and slow roast in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours until fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, combine 1 cup cherry preserves, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from oven and brush generously with the spiced cherry glaze, then return to oven for 10 more minutes to set the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Let pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with remaining cherry glaze.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Cherry Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 230 minutes (20 min prep + 210 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 Spiced Cherry Glaze?

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 Spiced Cherry Glaze?

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 Spiced Cherry Glaze 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 Spiced Cherry Glaze?

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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