Few things are tastier than slow-roasted pork shoulder. It’s easy to pull apart this tough cut of meat because the connective tissue is broken down by slow cooking.
It’s great for dinner and for making pork sandwiches too. Actually, it’s great for making lots of things and feeding a large crowd with good, wholesome food.
As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for recipes that are delicious, easy to make, and don’t require spending hours in the kitchen Pork shoulder is one of my favorite cuts of meat because when cooked properly, it yields incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone tender meat with crispy, crackling skin But getting that perfect texture and flavor requires knowing exactly how long to bake pork shoulder.
Through years of trial and error in my own kitchen, I’ve discovered the ideal method for roasting pork shoulder so it turns out juicy and delicious every time. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about how long you need to bake pork shoulder depending on the size of your roast.
An Overview of Pork Shoulder Roasts
Pork shoulder, also called Boston butt or picnic shoulder, comes from the front leg of the pig. It’s a tougher cut of meat with a good amount of connective tissue. When roasted low and slow, that connective tissue breaks down into gelatin which keeps the pork shoulder incredibly moist and gives it a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
This cut is sold either boneless or bone-in. Bone-in pork shoulder is sometimes called a pork picnic roast. Leaving the bone in helps keep the meat even more flavorful and moist during the long cooking time. Pork shoulder roasts range in size from 3 to 10 pounds.
For the best crackling crispy skin, choose a roast with the skin still on. My favorite way to prepare pork shoulder is rubbed with spices and herbs, roasted until fall-apart tender, and served with the crispy skin on top.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Pork Shoulder?
Cooking times for pork shoulder vary widely based on the size of the roast. A general guideline is to bake pork shoulder at 300°F-325°F and calculate around 1 1/2 hours per pound. But let’s break that down further based on roast size:
- 3 pound roast: Bake for 4 1/2 – 5 hours
- 5 pound roast: Bake for 7 – 7 1/2 hours
- 7 pound roast: Bake for 10 – 11 hours
- 10 pound roast: Bake for 14 – 16 hours
As you can see, cooking times can get lengthy for a really big pork shoulder. That’s why this is a perfect weekend project or dish to make for a holiday crowd.
The most foolproof way to know when pork shoulder is done is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, without touching any bones. The ideal internal temperature for tender, juicy pork shoulder is 195°F – 205°F.
Step-by-Step Method for Roasted Pork Shoulder
Follow these simple steps for pork shoulder worthy of any special occasion or Sunday dinner:
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Pat the roast dry and rub it all over with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and any other seasonings you like. This flavorful crust gives you incredible bark on the outside while keeping the meat super moist.
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Sear the meat in a hot skillet to get nice browning on all sides. This adds great depth of flavor.
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Place the pork shoulder on a rack in a roasting pan to allow the heat to circulate all around. Add 1 cup chicken broth or apple cider to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat from drying out.
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Roast at 300°F – 325°F for the calculated time based on roast size. For a 3 pound shoulder, that’s about 4 1/2 hours. For a 10 pound one, closer to 15 hours.
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Once the pork reaches 195°F-205°F, remove it from the oven. Let rest for at least 30 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute through the meat.
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Crisp up the skin under the broiler if needed. Then dig in and enjoy your incredibly tender, succulent pork shoulder!
The long, slow roasting time is what gives pork shoulder its signature texture. Rushing it by cranking up the heat will result in dried out, tough meat. Low and slow is definitely the way to go.
Tips for the Best Baked Pork Shoulder
Here are some of my top tips for foolproof results when roasting pork shoulder:
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For maximum browning and crisping, leave the skin on your roast if possible. Score the skin before cooking.
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Cook times can vary based on shape. Flat roasts may cook faster than those that are round and thick.
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Monitoring the temp is critical. Use a good quality instant read thermometer.
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Let the cooked pork rest before serving so the juices redistribute.
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If the skin isn’t crispy enough, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes after roasting.
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Serve pork shoulder with flavorful sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread.
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Shred any leftovers for amazing pulled pork sandwiches and tacos later in the week!
Moist and Tender Perfection Every Time
Learning how long to bake pork shoulder for the size of your roast is the key to success with this flavorful cut of meat. Low and slow roasting yields incredibly moist, fall-apart tender pork that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I do.
Choosing Your Pork Shoulder
Ideally, you should find pork shoulder with some marbling. Look for a Boston butt or a pork shoulder. Boneless pork shoulder roast is fine too.
Whatever you do, avoid pork tenderloin. Only roast pork butt or whole pork shoulder will work for this cooking method.
Size will matter on how long you roast your pork. The weight of the pork needs to be factored in to ensure it is fully cooked.
The meat should be cooked in an oven at 450° F for twenty minutes if it weighs three pounds. After that, lower the heat to 250°F and cook for 4 to 5 hours.
Also, use a digital probe thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 180°F. This is the magic number for a slow-roasted pork shoulder that is done.
You’ll follow the same steps for a 3-pound roast. Only once you turn the heat down you’ll cook for 4. 5 to 5. 5 hours.
For a pork shoulder this size, you will cook it according to the same steps we already talked about. After lowering the heat, you will cook for 5. 5 to seven hours.
How To Roast Pork Shoulder
Before you even begin roasting, you should let your pork shoulder come to room temperature. Set it out on the counter for about 30 minutes to one hour. When it’s warmed up a bit, you can preheat your oven to that higher temperature.
Trim away some of the fat on the fat side. Not all of it though, leave a thin layer. You can render it if you like and then enjoy the crispy crackling. Yum!.
Of course, you’ll want to season your pork shoulder roast too. And you can do that in a number of ways. Some coarse salt and black pepper are a must. Garlic powder and chicken broth are other simple ingredients you can use.
Pork shoulder is great because you can roast it with your favorite spices to make it taste different every time. Use barbecue sauce or a spice rub. Squeeze on some lemon and throw in a bay leaf or two. Some people add root beer or brown sugar to give it a little sweetness or a nice brown top.
Be sure you choose a large enough roasting pan to contain your pork shoulder recipe. As you position it into the pan, put the fat side up.
The liquid needs to go in there too, which is why you’ll want the chicken broth. About half an inch of coverage should do the trick.
You’ll also want to roast your pork shoulder meat uncovered. This will make sure that the outside gets a beautiful color when it’s on that higher heat.
I made Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a pork shoulder at 350 degrees?
How long does it take to cook a pork shoulder at 325?
How long do you cook a pork shoulder in the oven per pound?
How long to cook a 10 lb pork shoulder at 300 degrees?
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 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 shoulder in a broiler?
Cook the pork shoulder in the oven, basting with the juices in the roasting pan every hour, until it is tender and yields to the tines of a fork, for 6 to 7 hours. Remove the pork from the oven. Heat the broiler to high for broiling.
How long do you cook a pork shoulder in a crock pot?
It takes approximately 4 hours to cook a pork shoulder in a roasting pan in the oven at a reduced heat of 325 degrees F. The passage is about roasting the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, not a crock pot.