how to cook pork shoulder

Question

There are two main ways to cook pork shoulder: slow roasting in the oven or using a slow cooker. Here's a basic overview of both methods:

Answer 1

Oven Roasted Pork Shoulder:

1. Seasoning: Pat the pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also create a rub using ingredients like paprika, cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder.
2. Sear (optional): Seasoned pork shoulder can be seared in a hot pan with oil on all sides to add a nice browned crust.
3. Roasting: Transfer the pork shoulder to a roasting pan, add some liquid like chicken broth or water (to prevent drying out), and roast in a low oven (around 275°F) for several hours, until the meat is very tender and falls apart easily. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the roast, but it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
4. Resting: Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding or pulling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder:

1. Seasoning: Similar to oven roasting, season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, and your preferred flavorings.
2. Liquids: Add some liquid to the slow cooker pot, like chicken broth, beer, or even apple cider. This helps braise the meat and keeps it moist.
3. Slow Cooking: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the meat is shreddable.

Here are some additional tips for cooking pork shoulder:

• Use an instant-read thermometer: This is the most accurate way to determine if the pork is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 180°F (82°C).
• Score the skin (optional): If your pork shoulder has a skin layer, you can score it with a sharp knife before cooking. This helps the fat render and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper.
• Shredding the pork: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork shoulder into tender pieces. The shredded pork can be used in various dishes like tacos, sandwiches, salads, or served with barbecue sauce.

You can find more detailed recipes with specific ingredients and quantities by searching online for "oven roasted pork shoulder" or "slow cooker pork shoulder".