The Juiciest Slow Roast Pork Shoulder Recipe for Sunday Magic

Succulent and tender slow roast pork shoulder delivers a mouthwatering centerpiece for any gathering.

Pitmasters and home cooks alike cherish this classic dish for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Marinating overnight infuses deep flavors into every fiber of the meat.

Carefully selected spices complement the natural sweetness of the pork.

Patience becomes your secret weapon when preparing this culinary masterpiece.

Low and slow cooking ensures a perfectly juicy result that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that promises to impress even the most discerning palates.

What Makes Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder Special

• Master Flavor Infusion: Blend of anchovies, garlic, and rosemary creates a deeply complex marinade that transforms ordinary pork into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
• Minimal Hands-On Effort: Simple preparation steps allow the oven to do most of the cooking, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want impressive results without constant attention.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Tender, juicy pork shoulder works brilliantly for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions, appealing to meat lovers with its rich, succulent texture.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Long marinating time means you can prepare the dish in advance, letting flavors develop and reducing last-minute cooking stress for seamless meal planning.

Ingredients Needed for Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

• Pork Shoulder: A flavorful and tender cut perfect for slow roasting.

• Garlic, Anchovies, Rosemary: A robust blend that creates a deep, savory paste to enhance the pork's natural flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the meat's richness.

• Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard: These ingredients help create a smooth marinade that helps the seasoning adhere to the pork and adds complex flavor depth.

Cooking Instructions for Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Paste

• Garlic cloves
• Anchovy fillets
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Crush and blend ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant paste.

Step 2: Enhance Paste with Liquids

Introduce olive oil and whole grain mustard into the paste. Stir thoroughly to create a cohesive marinade that will infuse deep flavor into the pork.

Step 3: Massage Pork with Marinade

Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the prepared marinade. Ensure complete coverage by rubbing mixture into every crevice. Wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Remove pork from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Let it reach room temperature. Preheat oven to 450°F, positioning rack in the center.

Step 5: Initial High-Heat Sear

Place pork in hot oven and roast for 30 minutes. This initial high temperature will create a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.

Step 6: Slow Roast for Tenderness

Reduce oven temperature to 250°F. Continue roasting for 6-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 180°F. This low and slow method guarantees meltingly tender meat.

Step 7: Rest and Separate Juices

Remove pork from oven. Collect pan juices and refrigerate to separate fat. Allow pork to rest for 20 minutes, which helps redistribute internal moisture.

Step 8: Optional Crispy Finish

For an extra crispy exterior, return pork to 450°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 9: Serve with Pan Juices

Warm reserved pan juices after skimming excess fat. Slice pork against the grain and drizzle with warm juices. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Great Tips for Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

• Marinate Masterfully: Let the pork absorb flavors by refrigerating for 8-24 hours, allowing the herb-anchovy paste to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Temperature Technique: Start with high heat to create a beautiful golden crust, then slow-roast at a low temperature for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
• Fat Separation Hack: Chill the pan juices to easily skim off excess fat, ensuring a cleaner, more refined sauce for serving.
• Crispy Finish Trick: Optional final blast of high heat creates an irresistible crackling top that adds texture and extra flavor to the pork.
• Rest and Relax: Always let the meat rest 20 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness.

Flavor Twists for Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

• Herb-Crusted Lamb Shoulder: Replace pork with lamb, using mint and thyme instead of rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Roast: Swap pork for young jackfruit, maintaining similar seasoning and slow-roasting technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Herbal Roast: Keep original recipe, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free mustard for sensitive diets.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt, replace anchovies with capers, use herbs like oregano and parsley to boost flavor without sodium.

What to Serve with Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

• Pair with Bold Red Wines: Choose full-bodied red wines like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon that complement the rich, savory flavors of slow-roasted pork shoulder, cutting through its fatty richness with robust tannins.
• Create Rustic Herb Sides: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and potatoes seasoned with similar herbs used in the pork marinade, enhancing the overall earthy flavor profile.
• Match with Tangy Condiments: Prepare a bright, acidic chimichurri sauce or sharp mustard-based relish to balance the meat's deep, intense flavors, providing a zesty counterpoint to the tender pork.

How to Store Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

• Store leftover pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap sliced pork in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date.
• Place pork slices on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few drops of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warm.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place pork in baking dish. Add splash of broth or water. Cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Questions and Answers About Nigella Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

• Why use anchovies in the marinade?

Anchovies add a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the meat’s richness without tasting fishy. They provide a subtle saltiness that complements the pork’s natural taste.

• Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork shoulder (or pork butt) works best due to its high fat content and ability to become tender during slow roasting. Other cuts might dry out or lack the same rich flavor and texture.

• What's the purpose of the two-stage roasting method?

The initial high-heat roast creates a flavorful, golden-brown crust, while the low-temperature roasting ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy, breaking down tough connective tissues.

Slow Roast Pork Shoulder Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 12 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent slow roast pork shoulder emerges as a culinary masterpiece, promising tender meat infused with rich, hearty flavors. Juicy meat melts effortlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this comforting classic that brings warmth to any dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (6 pounds / 2.7 kg) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and tied

Herb and Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 3 anchovies, rinsed

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons coarse Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Create a robust flavor base by pulverizing garlic, anchovies, rosemary, salt, and pepper into a cohesive aromatic paste.
2. Incorporate olive oil and blend thoroughly, then fold in mustard for additional depth.
3. Massage the fragrant mixture comprehensively over the entire pork shoulder surface, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Seal and allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for 9-10 hours, enabling flavors to penetrate deeply.
5. Remove pork from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to equalize temperature, preheating oven to 450°F simultaneously.
6. Position pork in roasting pan and sear at high temperature for 30 minutes until exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 250°F, continuing slow roasting for 5-6 hours until internal temperature reaches 180°F.
8. Extract pan juices and refrigerate, allowing fat to separate naturally while meat rests for 20-25 minutes.
9. Optional: Restore oven to 450°F and crisp the exterior for 15 minutes for enhanced textural contrast.
10. Gently warm reserved pan juices, skimming excess fat, then slice pork and drizzle with concentrated cooking liquid.

Notes

• Marinate pork for maximum flavor infusion by letting the herb paste sit overnight, allowing ingredients to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, preventing overcooking which can dry out the tender shoulder cut.
• Opt for bone-in pork shoulder for enhanced richness and more complex flavor profile compared to boneless versions.
• Create a gluten-free variation by substituting mustard with a clean, allergen-free alternative like Dijon or whole grain mustard.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg