Savory Slow-Roast Garlic-Infused Pork Shoulder
This Savory Slow-Roast Garlic-Infused Pork Shoulder transforms an affordable cut of meat into a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. By slow-roasting at a low temperature, the pork butt becomes incredibly tender and juicy, as the fat and connective tissue break down beautifully. Infused with the aromatic flavor of garlic and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and apple juice, every bite melts in your mouth. This recipe is versatile and can also be adapted for a slow cooker, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience. Serve it with your favorite sides, and watch it become a family favorite!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder butt roast
4 lb (Whole)
Whole garlic cloves
as desired (Optional, to taste)
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1/3 cup (For seasoning)
Light brown sugar
3/4 cup (For seasoning)
Unsweetened apple juice
1 1/4 cups (For base)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Or to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Make small slits all over the pork shoulder using a sharp knife. If desired, insert whole garlic cloves into each slit for added flavor.
3
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a greased casserole dish with a lid.
4
Generously drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the roast, making sure to cover all sides.
5
Allow the roast to marinate at room temperature for 1-1/2 hours. If any Worcestershire sauce collects at the bottom of the dish, spoon it back over the pork shoulder.
6
Using your hands, rub the brown sugar all over the pork, ensuring it adheres well to the meat.
7
Pour the unsweetened apple juice into the bottom of the casserole dish, surrounding the pork.
8
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture.
9
After 15 minutes at 425°F, reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C).
10
Roast the pork for approximately 4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the roast.
11
Once the roast is done, carefully remove it from the oven. In a small bowl, mix the salt and black pepper into the remaining juices in the casserole dish. Use this mixture to drizzle over the sliced meat.
12
Slice the pork as desired and serve with your favorite accompaniments.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Savory Slow-Roast Garlic-Infused Pork Shoulder.
What cut of pork is recommended?
A 4 lb pork shoulder butt roast is recommended for this dish.
How do I infuse the garlic into the pork?
Make small slits all over the pork shoulder and insert whole garlic cloves into each slit.
How long should the pork marinate?
The roast should marinate at room temperature for 1-1/2 hours after drizzling with Worcestershire sauce.
What is the initial oven temperature?
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
When do I lower the oven temperature?
Reduce the temperature to 200 degrees Fahrenheit after the first 15 minutes of roasting.
What is the slow-roasting temperature?
The slow-roasting temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius).
How long does the pork roast at the lower temperature?
It roasts for approximately 4 hours, or until fork-tender.
Can this recipe be adapted for a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted for a slow cooker.
What liquid is used for the roasting base?
1 1/4 cups of unsweetened apple juice are poured into the bottom of the casserole dish.
How much brown sugar is used in the rub?
3/4 cup of light brown sugar is used to rub all over the pork.
Should the dish be covered while roasting?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture.
How do I know when the pork is finished cooking?
The meat is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
What should I do with the juices in the pan?
Mix salt and pepper into the remaining juices and drizzle them over the sliced meat.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it transforms an affordable cut of meat into a high-quality meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe provides approximately 10 servings.
What type of Worcestershire sauce should I use?
The recipe specifies using Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce.
Are the garlic cloves mandatory?
The garlic cloves are optional and can be used as desired for added flavor.
What if I do not have a casserole lid?
You can use aluminum foil to cover the dish tightly if a lid is unavailable.
Do I need to sear the meat before roasting?
No, the initial high-heat roasting at 425 degrees Fahrenheit helps set the exterior.
When do I add the salt and black pepper?
Salt and pepper are mixed into the pan juices after the roast is removed from the oven.
Can I use sweetened apple juice?
The recipe calls for unsweetened apple juice to maintain the intended flavor balance.
How much salt is required?
1/2 teaspoon of salt is used for seasoning the final juices.
What flavor profile does the brown sugar provide?
It provides a hint of sweetness that complements the savory garlic and pork.
Should the pork be sliced or shredded?
The recipe suggests slicing the pork as desired, though it will be tender enough to pull apart.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is the marination step done in the fridge?
The recipe instructs allowing the roast to marinate at room temperature for 1-1/2 hours.
Should the apple juice cover the pork?
No, the apple juice should be poured into the bottom of the dish to surround the pork.
What happens to the fat during roasting?
The fat and connective tissue break down beautifully during the slow-roasting process.
How much pepper is used?
1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, or to taste, is used for the final seasoning.