Recipes 1 min read Published 6 September 2026Updated 6 September 2026

Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Recipe

A simple slow-roasted pork shoulder recipe: five hours in a low oven for tender slices or pulled pork, with the full method and timings.

Shredded slow-roasted pork shoulder pulled apart with forks on a slate board

Quick answer

Rub a 2kg pork shoulder with oil, salt, pepper and smoked paprika, then roast covered at 150C (130C fan) for 4.5 to 5 hours until it pulls apart under a fork.

Jump to recipe

Pork shoulder is the cut to reach for when you want meat that falls apart under a fork. Five hours in a low oven turns it into the sort of Sunday lunch, or pulled pork rolls, people talk about all week.

Why Low and Slow

Shoulder carries fat and connective tissue through the muscle. Kept at a low temperature long enough, both render down and baste the meat from the inside, which is what makes it pull apart so easily.

Serving It Two Ways

  • Carve in slices for a traditional roast with gravy and crispy edges.
  • Shred with two forks, toss through the pan juices and pile into soft rolls with slaw for pulled pork.

Cook the joint until it is steaming hot throughout and the meat gives no resistance. The full quantities and timings are in the recipe card below.

See more joints and cuts in our pork counter, including pork belly joints, plus sauces to serve alongside. We offer local delivery and collection.

Recipe Card

Prep time

15 min

Cook time

5 hr

Total time

5 hr 15 min

Servings

Serves 8

Ingredients

  • 2kg pork shoulder, bone in or boneless, skin scored
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 onions, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, bashed
  • 300ml chicken or vegetable stock
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 150C (130C fan). Rub the shoulder all over with the oil, salt, pepper and paprika.
  2. Scatter the onions and garlic in a deep roasting tin, sit the joint on top and pour the stock around it.
  3. Cover the tin tightly with foil and roast for 4.5 to 5 hours, until the meat is tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
  4. For crispy edges, remove the foil for the final 30 minutes.
  5. Rest for 15 minutes, then slice or shred and serve with the pan juices skimmed of fat.
Storage and reheating: Cool leftovers within two hours and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout.
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Written by Stevenage Family Butchers

Our butchers prepare every order at the shop at 15 The Oval, Stevenage. For advice on any cut, cooking method or portion size, call us on 01438 351714 or send us a message.

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