A pork shoulder roast, also known as a Boston butt, is one of the most flavorful cuts of pork. When slowly cooked, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy – perfect for pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. An 11 pound pork shoulder is a generous size that will provide ample portions. Learning how to properly cook it is essential.
Here is a complete guide to roasting an 11 pound pork shoulder, from preparation to carving Follow these tips and techniques for mouthwatering pulled pork every time
Overview of Cook Time
The general guideline for roast pork shoulder is to allow 35-40 minutes per pound in a 250°F-300°F oven. For an 11 pound roast, this equals a cook time of around 6-7 hours.
However, cook times can vary slightly depending on the shape and thickness of your particular roast Using an instant-read thermometer is crucial – pork shoulder should reach 195°F-205°F when finished
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for roasting pork shoulder perfection:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder
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Remove the pork shoulder from packaging and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Make a spice rub by mixing together salt, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and pepper. Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the rub.
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Trim off any excess hard fat, leaving about 1⁄4 inch intact. This helps render the fat cap crispier.
2. Sear the Pork Shoulder
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In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
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Place the pork shoulder in the hot skillet and brown well on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
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Searing adds a caramelized crust for enriched flavor.
3. Roast the Pork Shoulder
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Preheat your oven to 275°F.
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Place the seared pork shoulder on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
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Roast for approximately 35-40 minutes per pound, until the internal temp reaches 195°F-205°F.
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For an 11 lb roast, this will take about 6-7 hours.
4. Rest, Pull, and Serve
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Remove pork from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before pulling.
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Using two forks, shred and pull pork into bite-size pieces.
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Stir in barbecue sauce or serve it on the side.
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Pile the juicy pulled pork onto buns for spectacular sandwiches!
Tips for Moist, Tender Results
Follow these useful tips for guaranteed moist, fall-apart pork shoulder:
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy – internal temp is more reliable than cook times.
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Spritz with apple cider vinegar or chicken broth during roasting.
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Wrap in foil if the outside browns too quickly.
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Let pork rest 20-30 minutes before pulling for smoother shredding.
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Mix pulled pork with pan drippings and sauce to keep it moist.
Estimated Roasting Times
Roasting times for pork shoulder can vary somewhat depending on size. Here are general guidelines:
- 5 lbs: 3 hours
- 7 lbs: 4 hours
- 9 lbs: 5 hours
- 11 lbs: 6-7 hours
- 15 lbs: 9-10 hours
Always check internal temperature and adjust roasting time accordingly. Pork shoulder can be stubborn!
Serving Suggestions
Versatile pulled pork shoulder makes for endless meal ideas:
- Pulled pork nachos with beans, cheese, salsa
- Carnitas street tacos with onion, cilantro
- Barbecue pizza with pulled pork and red onion
- Eggs with pulled pork and cheese for breakfast
- Pulled pork red chili or green chili stew
- Pulled pork salad with greens, avocado, berries
With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored of leftovers! Given its amazing flavor and cost effectiveness, pork shoulder is a winner any night of the week.
More Keto Pork Recipes
Jamaican Jerk Pork Roast – Instant Pot Recipe
An easy roasted pork shoulder recipe that results in tender meat and super crispy skin! No need to feel guilty for indulging in this delicious pork either, because it’s healthy enough to fit into Whole 30, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, and Squeaky Clean Keto eating plans!
I’ll be honest, this post is more about the pictures than the roasted pork shoulder recipe. Because seriously, Vegetarians aside, who doesn’t love looking at photos of roasted meat?.
Not this chick – I could stare at these pictures all day!
It looks like a beautiful meaty landscape, with crispy crust and soft, juicy shreds of porky goodness! And of course I got to eat this delicious roasted pork shoulder—just thinking about it makes me cry! It was pork-tastic!.
Excuse me while I indulge this memory with a moment of silence……
That being said, you may be wondering how to make this Porcine masterpiece again. Well, I’m here to tell you!
This recipe for roasted pork shoulder is so simple that you shouldn’t wait to add it to your dinner menu! All you need is time—for some of you, that means making it on the weekend—but trust me, it will be worth it! Once you shred the pork, you can use it in a lot of different tasty dishes.
Corn tortillas, chopped cilantro, lettuce, sliced avocado, Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese were what I used to serve it to our guests. It was a huge hit!.
Since I’m doing the Whole30 this month I ate my shredded pork salad style with no dairy – it still tasted amazing!
You don’t even have to make Mexican food. This simple roasted pork shoulder would taste great with cheesy cauliflower puree and your favorite salad or vegetable side dish.
It was cold for two days after I took the leftovers out of the fridge. I then put the rest of the keto-roasted pork shoulder in the freezer to make green chili later this month. .
I made Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder
FAQ
How long do you cook an 11 lb pork shoulder?
How long to cook a 10 lb pork shoulder at 350 degrees?
How long to slow cook 10 lb pork shoulder?
How long should a 12 pound pork shoulder take at 225?
How long do you cook a pork shoulder in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 500°F. Roast the pork shoulder uncovered in a clean roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet until the skin is crisped and puffy, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan every 3 to 5 minutes (cover any parts that are getting overly browned with foil). Cut or pull the pork into hunks and serve immediately.
How to cook bone-in pork shoulder roast?
Now it’s time to cook your bone-in pork shoulder roast to perfection. There are several methods you can choose from: Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the pork roast on a rack in a roasting pan, ensuring that the skin is facing up.
How do you cook a boneless pork shoulder?
To cook a boneless pork shoulder or butt of 4 to 6 pounds in the oven, arrange a rack in the lower third and heat to 325°F. Trim off large pieces of fat from the outside, but leave small pieces and the interior fat. If using boneless pork, cut it into several large fist-sized pieces.
How long do you cook a pork roast in the oven?
Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the pork roast on a rack in a roasting pan, ensuring that the skin is facing up. Roast the meat for about 25-30 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. Let the roast rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.