How to cook pork shoulder roast

Pork shoulder, available in bone-in or boneless options, is a versatile and comforting meat that effortlessly complements a variety of cuisines. Discover the art of cooking pork shoulder with this easy guide, and explore a range of delicious recipe ideas.

How to cook pork shoulder

Pork shoulder can be cooked in a number of different ways, depending on whether it’s boned or boneless, and whether you’re preparing it as a whole joint or cutting it into smaller pieces.

Pork shoulder cooking time

If you’re looking for a speedy and delicious way to cook pork shoulder, try slicing it up and pan-frying, cooking it for 6-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, cooking a pork shoulder in the oven will take 30 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes for each half kilo. When preparing a pulled pork recipe, the cooking time for the pork shoulder will typically range from 2 to 4 hours. The exact duration depends on the size of the joint and whether you’ve opted for a boned or boneless shoulder of pork.

Cooking pork shoulder safety precautions

When it comes to cooking pork shoulder safely, it’s important to make sure that it is cooked both thoroughly and correctly. To check if the pork shoulder is fully cooked through and safe to eat, you should measure the thickest part of the cut with a thermometer, making sure it meets 76°C for at least 30 seconds. 

How to cook pork shoulder roast

If you’re cooking roasted pork shoulder on the bone, this simple recipe (for a 2kg pork shoulder) will give you great results.

1. Remove the pork shoulder from the fridge an hour before cooking. Preheat your oven to 220°C or equivalent. 
2. Score lines across the pork skin, around 1 cm apart, cutting through the skin to the fat but not reaching the meat. Rub the skin with sea salt, making sure to get the salt into the score lines you’ve made.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting dish and roast for 30 minutes – you should see the skin start to puff up. After half an hour, turn the heat down to 170°C, cover firmly with two sheets of foil, and roast for another 4.5 hours. 
4. Once cooked, baste the meat with some liquid from the bottom of the tray, transfer to a serving dish, cover with foil and leave to rest for 15-20 minutes.

How to cook boneless pork shoulder

Here’s a simple boneless pork shoulder recipe to try.

1. Remove the pork shoulder from the fridge an hour before cooking. Preheat your oven to 220°C or equivalent.
2. As above, score lines across the pork skin, around 1 cm apart, cutting through the skin to the fat but not reaching the meat. Rub the skin with sea salt, making sure to get the salt into the score lines.
3. Place in a large roasting tin and roast for 25 minutes. Reduce the heat to 180°C, and roast for a further 25 minutes per 500g, plus an extra 30 minutes. About 45 minutes before the end of the cooking time, baste with the juices from the bottom of the pan and cover with foil if the crackling is becoming too dark. 
4. Check that the juices running from the meat are clear and not pink. Once cooked, transfer to a serving dish, cover loosely with foil and rest for 15 minutes.

How to fry pork shoulder

For a faster way of preparing boneless pork shoulder, slice it into thick steaks and pan-fry them for a meal ready in minutes.

1. Season the pork shoulder steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Drizzle a frying pan with oil and place over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the pork steaks and cook, turning occasionally, for between 8 and 10 minutes. The steaks should be cooked until they are no longer pink inside and reach a minimum internal temperature of 76°C for at least 30 seconds.

How to boil pork shoulder

Cooking pork shoulder in a simmering pan of water on the stove will achieve a succulent and flavourful joint. 

1. Remove the pork from the fridge half an hour before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. If you prefer, you can sear the pork shoulder. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the pork joint until it is sealed on all sides.
3. Place the pork in a large saucepan and cover it completely with cold water. The water level should be a few inches higher than the top of the meat. Heat over medium-high until boiling while skimming and discarding any foam that forms on the surface.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes per 500g of weight.

What to serve with pork shoulder

Elevate your Sunday dinner with a succulent pork shoulder roast, paired with traditional sides and a lavish portion of apple sauce. Accompany the main dish with sautéed kale or cabbage and creamy spinach for a delightful green vegetable side that complements the flavours. Try cooking up some homemade chips – either using regular potato or sweet potato – or buttery corn on the cob. In the autumn, the combination of apples, pears and plums all pair well with pork shoulder, as their sweetness and slight acidity help to cut through the pork fat.

Pork shoulder roast recipes

Explore these mouthwatering pork recipes to kick-start your culinary journey. Simply use pork shoulder instead of other pork cuts:

• Plum Roasted Pork & Soy Greens
• Roasted Pork & Char Siu Sauce with Peanut Asian Rice
• Roasted Pork Belly & Cheesy Crushed Potatoes
• Roast Pork Tenderloin & Eggplant Caponata with Potato Mash

You can also find plenty more kitchen inspiration on the HelloFresh blog – take a look for more meal ideas and recipes