Imagine a tender pork shoulder, slow-cooked until it’s juicy, flavorful, and practically falling apart with every forkful.
With just a few simple ingredients and the help of a crockpot, you can create a hearty, comforting meal that feels like it’s been cooking all day — because it has.
As the pork simmers low and slow, soaking up all those rich flavors, you’ll see how effortlessly a humble cut of meat can transform into something truly special.
Let’s get started on this delicious Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation: (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Prep Work: (15 minutes)
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Mince the garlic and slice the onion.
- Measure out the olive oil, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar.
- Searing the Pork: (10 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned.
- Setting up the Crockpot: (5 minutes)
- Place the seared pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced onion over the pork.
- Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
- Cooking Time: (8 hours)
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender.
- Resting Time: (10 minutes)
- Remove the pork from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serving: (5 minutes)
- Slice the pork and serve with the juices from the crockpot as a sauce.
Additional Tips:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can take a few extra minutes to reduce the juices in a saucepan over medium heat after the resting time.
- Total time may vary slightly depending on individual pacing and kitchen setup.
This timeline will help keep you organized and guarantee that your Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast is ready to serve on time.
Recipe Instructions
Pat the pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned.
Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
Add minced garlic and sliced onion over the pork.
Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender.
Remove the pork from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with the juices from the crockpot as a sauce.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender pork roast, soaking up the flavorful juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts complements the savory flavors of the pork.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a revitalizing crunch and balances the richness of the pork.
- Steamed Rice: Simple steamed rice is a great option to absorb the delicious sauce from the pork roast.
- Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to mop up the savory juices for a satisfying meal.
Storage
Store leftover Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the roast in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast, let it cool completely.
Slice and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast, gently warm it in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Make certain it remains moist by adding some reserved juices.
Final Thoughts
The Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast is a simple yet delicious dish that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
By using a crockpot, you allow the pork shoulder to cook slowly, resulting in a tender and juicy roast.
The combination of spices, garlic, and apple cider vinegar infuses the pork with rich flavors, while the chicken broth adds moisture.
After cooking, the juices can be used as a savory sauce to enhance the dish.
For added depth, consider reducing the sauce or adding additional seasonings. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Boneless Pork Shoulder for This Recipe?
You can use a boneless pork shoulder. Make certain it’s well-trimmed and evenly seasoned. Sear until golden brown for ideal caramelization. Follow the recipe’s steps, emphasizing presentation by slicing neatly. Serve with reduced sauce for enhanced flavor contrast.
What Vegetables Pair Well With Pork Shoulder Roast?
You’ll find carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts complement pork shoulder roast beautifully. Dice them evenly, roast them until caramelized, and arrange around sliced pork. Garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation that enhances flavor and visual appeal.
How Can I Adapt This Recipe for a Pressure Cooker?
To adapt for a pressure cooker, sear the pork, then add all ingredients. Seal the lid, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, and naturally release. For presentation, slice and drizzle with reduced cooking liquid.
Can I Use Beef Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
You can substitute beef broth for chicken broth. It adds a richer, deeper flavor. Make sure you balance the seasoning, so the beef broth’s robustness complements the dish. Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs before serving.
What Wine Pairs Best With This Pork Shoulder Roast?
Pair a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or a fruity Riesling with your roast. Choose a wine that complements the dish’s savory and herbal notes. Serve it slightly chilled to enhance the wine’s invigorating contrast with the warm, tender pork.
Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned.
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onion over the pork.
- Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender.
- Remove the pork from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with the juices from the crockpot as a sauce.
Notes
