Sweet Citrus and Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder roasted with an invigorating blend of citrus and fresh herbs for a bright yet savory main course. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 230 minutes pairs boneless 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 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 210 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a fragrant herb-citrus marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade all over the surface of the 4 lb boneless pork shoulder, massaging it into every crevice.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up in a roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup white wine into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist.
  4. Step 4: Roast uncovered for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is fork-tender with a golden crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Citrus and Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder 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 Sweet Citrus and Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder?

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 boneless pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Citrus and Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder?

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 Sweet Citrus and Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder 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 Sweet Citrus and Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Mediterranean 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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