Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted with a fragrant rub of citrus zest and warm spices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat perfect for slicing or shredding. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange zest, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make the rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and rub all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then massage the citrus-spice rub evenly onto the surface.
  3. Step 3: Place pork shoulder on a roasting rack in a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 5-6 hours, basting every 90 minutes with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Citrus Rub take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Citrus 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 Spiced Citrus 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 Spiced Citrus 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 Spiced Citrus 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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