Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipe

The slow cooker pork shoulder recipe is very popular among almost every American household. Because of slow cooking, the pork melts right into your mouth. This cooked pork meat becomes so soft that it can be shredded very easily. 

It gives a nice caramelized flavor and a crust in every bite of the pork. You can enjoy this slow cooker pork shoulder recipe at any type of gathering with friends or family.

As it is packed with aromatic and flavorful spices, slow-cooking pork shoulder starts to spread its mesmerizing aroma not only in the house but also in the whole neighborhood. Here, I will teach you how to cook a pork shoulder recipe in the slow cooker using a straightforward method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Slow-cooker pork shoulder is a main course that will give you an amazing feast of flavors in your mouth. Pork shoulder crock-pot recipes are always mouthwatering dishes.

Slow-cooking pork shoulder can be enjoyed in various ways. Because of its huge variety of serving options, you can enjoy this dish as per your taste buds.

The pork shoulder crockpot recipe can be paired with anything you love. Because of its versatility, the dish is easy to serve. Slow cooker pork butt can be an awesome substitute for slow cooker pork shoulder sometimes.

Ingredients for the Pork Shoulder Crockpot Recipe

1. Pork Shoulder: We need 1.5 kg of pork shoulder. It can be boneless or bone-in meat. Though bone-in meat enriches the flavor of the dish more.
2. Vegetables: To make the dish, we need 9-10 baby potatoes and 1 carrot. 
3. Spices: 1 tablespoon of salt, black pepper, garlic powder or garlic paste, onion powder or onion paste, etc., are needed to marinate the meat. Also, cut some sliced onions to add to the crock pot.
4. Cornstarch: To thicken the curry, we have to use cornstarch. 
5. Flavorful Liquids:  Chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, etc., add extra flavor to our dish. 
6. Herbs: Add some thyme and rosemary to the dish.
7. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil to sear the pork.

   Substitutes for the Ingredients

1. Pork Butt: We can use pork butt as a substitute for the pork shoulder recipe. 
2. Broth Alternatives: We can use vegetable or beef broth. 
3. Herb Substitutes: We can use oregano instead of thyme or rosemary.

Kitchen Tools to Make the Recipe

1. A crock-pot.
2. A pan or skillet to sear the pork shoulder.
3. Some bowls.
4. A whisk
5. Finally, some plates to serve the dish.

How to Make the Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder in a Crock-Pot?

Step 1

Marinate the pork with all the spices like salt, black pepper, garlic paste, and onion paste. Put it on rest for 20 minutes to absorb the spices.

Step 2

Then, get the skillet or the pan. Sear the pork until it gets a brown-looking color on both sides.

Step 3

Now, put all the thinly sliced onions in the crock-pot. Add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, etc.

Step 4

Then, place broth, vinegar, and herbs in a bowl. Mix them with a whisk and pour them into the crockpot.

Step 5

Stir all the ingredients together. Place the pork in the crock-pot over the vegetables. 

Step 6

Then, cover the crock-pot with a lid. Let it cook for 9 hours on a low flame. 

Step 7

Once the pork is cooked, transfer the pork and vegetables to a plate and remove the fat from the crock-pot. 

Step 8

Whisk the cornstarch into water and place it in the crock-pot. Again, place the meat in the slow cooker to cook for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens, as per your choice.

Step 9

Now, serve the slow-cooker pork shoulder on a plate, and if you want, you can garnish it with some thyme.

Pro Tips

1. Don’t overcook the meat by keeping it too long in the crock-pot. 
2. Keep the lid on in the slow cooker. Don’t open the lid more frequently, as the moisture of the meat goes away every time you open the lid.
3. Sear the pork for more flavor. I do it because it gives a nice aromatic flavor and crunchy bites.

Serving Suggestions
Pulled Pork Sandwich	Put the shredded meat in the toasted buns. Try it with coleslaw and some BBQ sauce. Thus, we get the perfect slow cooker pulled pork sandwich.
Pork Tacos	Shredded pork meat is wrapped here in tacos, which we call pork tacos. It is also a nice combination to try.
With baked beans	With baked vegetables like beans, it is a comforting food to enjoy.
With BBQ Sauce	Try slow-cooker pork shoulder with homemade BBQ sauce. It is a deadly combination to eat.
With roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes	Baby potatoes or new sweet potatoes make the dish more delicious. We can try this out with mashed potatoes, too.

Conclusion

The slow cooker pork shoulder recipe creates a festive mood. As a main course, it has the main ingredient, the pork shoulder meat, which makes your little tummy full. 

It also fulfills your appetite to have something so flavorful, juicy, and tender. Slow cooking pork in a crockpot is a famous recipe because it takes more time to cook, and the spices absorb beautifully.

FAQ 

Can You Use the Pork Butt Instead of the Pork Shoulder Meat?

Obviously, you can use the pork butt instead of pork shoulder meat, as it has a similar texture to the pork shoulder meat.

How Long Can You Store Leftover Pork?

Yes, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. But keep in mind to store it in an airtight container. It can be reserved for three months if it is kept in the freezer.

How to Warm Up the Leftover Meat?

Pick the leftovers and put them in the skillet or pan. Then, add some chicken broth or barbecue sauce and toss it to heat it properly. 

What if the Pork is Still Hard?

Cook the pork for a longer time. It will be done.