10+ Pork Shoulder Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

Pork shoulder is a versatile cut of meat that can transform your meals with its rich flavor and tender texture. Incorporating pork shoulder into your cooking can result in delicious, hearty dishes that are perfect for family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners.

From smoky barbecues to savory slow-cooked recipes, this cut offers many possibilities.

Whether you prefer it pulled, roasted, or braised, pork shoulder can be prepared in various ways to suit your tastes. You’ll find that it absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent choice for different marinades and seasonings.

Get ready to explore an array of exciting recipes that will elevate your cooking!

Classic BBQ Pulled Pork

Classic BBQ pulled pork is a favorite for many gatherings. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches. You can use a pork shoulder for this recipe, which cooks up juicy and delicious.

Start by seasoning your pork with a mix of spices. Common additions include salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it sit for a while to absorb the flavors.

Next, you can roast the pork in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork in a Dutch oven and cook it for about 3-5 hours, depending on the size. It’s ready when it easily pulls apart with a fork.

Once the pork is cooked, shred it with two forks and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce. You can serve it on toasted buns and add coleslaw for a tasty crunch.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• BBQ sauce
• Buns for serving
• Coleslaw (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Place the pork in a Dutch oven.
4. Cook for 3-5 hours until tender.
5. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce.
6. Serve on buns with coleslaw if desired.

2) Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Tacos

Slow-cooked pork shoulder tacos are delicious and easy to make. The pork becomes tender and flavorful, perfect for filling your tortillas. You can customize the toppings to make them just how you like.

You’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with a pork shoulder, spices, and some fresh vegetables. A slow cooker works best, as it allows the flavors to develop fully.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn or flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the pork shoulder with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic.
4. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C).
6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve in tortillas.

Caramelized Pork Shoulder Roast

Caramelized pork shoulder roast is a tasty dish that brings out rich flavors. The slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy. Pair it with a sweet caramelized onion sauce for extra flavor.

To start, you’ll need a bone-in or boneless pork shoulder. The fat on the pork adds a lot of flavor, so don’t trim it all off. Season the meat with salt and pepper for a better taste.

Cooking takes some time, but it’s worth it. Roast at 325°F (163°C) until it’s fork-tender. The inside will soak up all the juices.

You’ll want to caramelize the onions separately. This adds a sweet touch that enhances the dish. Sauté those until they turn golden and soft.

Ingredients

• 4-5 pound boneless pork shoulder (or 6 pound bone-in)
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 large onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season your pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the pork until golden.
4. Transfer the pork to a roasting pan and cook for 3-4 hours.
5. In another pan, sauté onions until caramelized.
6. Serve the meat with the caramelized onions on top.

Glazed Pork Shoulder with Honey and Garlic

This glazed pork shoulder is a delightful dish that brings together sweet honey and savory garlic. The combination creates a tasty flavor that seeps deep into the meat.

Start by making a flavorful mixture. You’ll mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. This glaze adds a rich taste as it cooks.

Rub the mixture generously over the pork shoulder. Make sure to cover every part for even flavor. Then, place it in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.

Roast your pork at 325°F (160°C) for about 4 to 5 hours. You want it to be tender and juicy.

Once it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C), it’s ready to serve. Let it rest briefly before slicing to keep all those delicious juices inside.

Ingredients

• 2 lb (910 g) boneless pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger.
3. Rub the mixture over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
5. Roast for 4 to 5 hours until it reaches 190°F (88°C).
6. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

5) Asian Soy Pork Shoulder

Asian Soy Pork Shoulder is a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make. It uses a mix of savory ingredients to create a delicious meal. You’ll enjoy the tender, juicy pork that falls apart with a fork.

Begin by marinating your pork shoulder in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. This combination gives it that yummy umami flavor you crave. After marinating, you can either roast it in the oven or use a slow cooker for convenience.

Bake it at 300°F (150°C) for a few hours until it’s nice and tender. You can also cook it on low in a slow cooker to let the flavors really soak in.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
2. Marinate the pork shoulder in the mixture for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan or slow cooker.
5. Cook for 3-4 hours in the oven or on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker.
6. Shred the pork and serve warm.

6) Italian Herb Roasted Pork Shoulder

Italian herb roasted pork shoulder is a delicious and aromatic dish. The combination of herbs and spices brings out the rich flavor of the meat. You will enjoy the tender and juicy results.

To prepare, start by choosing a good cut of pork shoulder. Season it with a mix of Italian herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. A little garlic and salt will enhance the flavor too.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan and cook it for about 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking allows the meat to become very tender, while the skin gets crispy.

Once it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C), it’s ready to serve. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Ingredients

• 4-5 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Rub the pork with olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork in a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 4-5 hours until tender and crispy.
5. Check for an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
6. Let the pork rest, then slice and serve.

7) Pork Shoulder Carnitas

Pork shoulder carnitas are a delicious and popular dish. The meat is cooked slowly until it’s tender and then crisped up for extra flavor. It’s great for tacos, burritos, or just on its own.

To make carnitas, start by seasoning your pork shoulder with spices like cumin, garlic, and salt. You can also add orange juice and lime for a fresh taste.

Cook the pork in a slow cooker or the oven. If using the oven, set it to 325°F (160°C) and cook for about 3 to 4 hours. This helps the flavors develop while the meat becomes tender.

Once it’s done cooking, shred the pork with two forks. For crispy edges, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes. Serve it with warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 cup orange juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Season pork shoulder with salt, cumin, and garlic.
2. Place in a slow cooker or roasting pan.
3. Add lime and orange juice.
4. Cook at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred with forks.
6. Broil for 5 minutes to crisp.

8) Smoky Chipotle Pork Shoulder

You’ll love making Smoky Chipotle Pork Shoulder. It’s tender, flavorful, and full of smoky goodness. This dish is perfect for tacos or sandwiches.

Start with a pork shoulder, which is great for slow cooking. Marinate it with chipotle paste for a spicy kick. If you’d like a milder flavor, mix smoked paprika with chili powder instead.

Cooking time is crucial. You can bake it low and slow at 300°F (150°C) for about 4 to 5 hours. You want it to be easy to shred.

Once done, let it rest a bit. Shred the meat and mix it with the juices for extra flavor. It’s perfect topped with your favorite sauces or slaw.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons chipotle paste (or 2 tablespoons smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon chili powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: coleslaw and tortillas for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the pork shoulder with chipotle or spice mix.
3. Place in a roasting pan, cover with foil.
4. Cook for 4 to 5 hours until tender.
5. Let it rest, then shred the meat. Enjoy!

9) Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder

Maple glazed pork shoulder is a delicious dish that brings out rich flavors. It’s sweet, savory, and easy to prepare.

To start, score the pork shoulder skin to help it cook evenly. Season the meat with salt and pepper to enhance its taste.

For the glaze, mix pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves. This mixture adds a fantastic sweetness that pairs well with the pork’s flavors.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides for a nice crust. Then, pour the maple glaze over the pork shoulder before placing it in the oven.

Cook until the pork is tender. You will enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pork shoulder roast (about 3 lbs)
• 1/3 cup dark pure maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the skin of the pork shoulder.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves.
5. Sear the pork in a heated pan until browned on all sides.
6. Pour the glaze over the pork.
7. Roast in the oven until tender.

10) Crispy Pork Shoulder Crackling

Crispy pork shoulder crackling is a delicious addition to your meal. The key is to have the skin well-prepared before cooking. You want to dry out the skin for the best results.

Start by scoring the skin in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the fat render out. Generously salt the skin, as this draws out moisture. Let it sit in the fridge uncovered for several hours or overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the pork shoulder for about 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cook until the meat is tender. For extra crispy crackling, finish it off at a higher temperature.

Look for that golden, bubbly appearance. You’ll love the crunchy texture and rich flavor!

Cooking Instructions

1. Score the pork skin with a sharp knife.
2. Generously apply salt to the skin.
3. Refrigerate uncovered for several hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F (160°C).
6. Cook until tender. If needed, finish at a higher temperature.