Why You’ll Love this Slow Roasted Pork Recipe
When you try this Slow Roasted Pork Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The incredible aroma fills the house as it cooks, making everyone excited for dinner.
I love how the meat becomes tender and juicy, practically falling apart with a fork. The blend of citrus juices and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s simply irresistible.
It’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, as it feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day. Plus, the hands-off cooking method means I get to relax while it does all the work.
You’ll adore it!
Ingredients of Slow Roasted Pork
When you’re gearing up to make this Slow Roasted Pork, the first thing you’ll want to do is gather your ingredients. Trust me, having everything on hand makes the cooking process smoother, and you won’t find yourself scrambling in the middle of the recipe.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about seeing all those colorful ingredients laid out on your counter, right? It gets you in the mood to cook! So, let’s dive right into what you need for this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 bay leaves, crumbled
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (5 -6 lb) Boston butt or pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- Grated lemon rind (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley sprig (for garnish)
Now, as you gather these ingredients, keep in mind that the quality of your pork can really make a difference in the end result. If you can, opt for a well-marbled cut; it’ll yield that juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
And don’t skimp on the citrus juices—they’re what infuse the meat with that incredible flavor. You might even want to squeeze a little extra juice in there if you’re feeling adventurous.
After all, who doesn’t love a little extra zing in their life? Just make sure your kitchen doesn’t turn into a citrus juice slip-and-slide. It’s all about having fun while cooking, right?
How to Make Slow Roasted Pork
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this Slow Roasted Pork. First things first, grab a large bowl and toss in that 1 medium onion, finely chopped, along with the 4 crushed garlic cloves. Don’t worry if your eyes start watering a bit; it’s just the onions trying to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Next, pour in 1/2 cup each of fresh orange juice and fresh grapefruit juice, followed by 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. It’s like a citrus party in there! Now, add in the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 crumbled bay leaves, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Give this mixture a good stir until everything is well combined. This marinade is where the magic begins, so really get in there.
Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to meet the star of the show: the pork. Take your 5 to 6-pound Boston butt or pork shoulder and gently nestle it into the marinade, turning it around to make sure it’s beautifully coated. Cover that bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight if you have the patience. The longer, the better, right?
When you’re ready to start cooking, preheat your oven to 275 degrees. Now, here comes the fun part—heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, carefully place your marinated pork into the pot. Brown all sides of the roast, which should take about 10-15 minutes. It’s okay if you get a little splatter; just consider it a badge of honor.
After browning, add the reserved marinade to the pot, cover it, and pop it in the oven. Now, just sit back and relax. Let that pork roast for 6 to 7 hours. Yes, you read that right—6 to 7 hours. It’s a long wait, but trust me, the aroma wafting through your home will be worth it. You want the meat to be so tender that it practically falls apart at the slightest touch.
When it’s finally done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, it’s time to shred that heavenly meat and serve it up with some garnishes like lemon slices, grated lemon rind, and fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color. Voilà! You’ve just made Slow Roasted Pork that will have everyone raving.
Slow Roasted Pork Substitutions & Variations
While you might be tempted to stick to the classic Slow Roasted Pork recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to explore that can give your dish a unique twist.
For instance, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, try using pineapple juice instead of citrus. You can also swap the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the marinade. For a herbaceous touch, consider incorporating fresh rosemary or thyme.
Experimenting with these options can elevate your slow-roasted pork experience!
What to Serve with Slow Roasted Pork
What should you serve alongside slow roasted pork to create a memorable meal? I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and a drizzle of gravy. The richness of the potatoes complements the savory pork beautifully.
Roasted seasonal vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add a nice crunch and vibrant color. For a revitalizing touch, a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the meal perfectly.
Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices! A glass of chilled white wine enhances the flavors, making it an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy your feast!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your slow roasted pork turns out perfectly, I recommend marinating the meat overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Don’t skip browning the roast; it adds a delicious depth to the dish.
When you’re ready to bake, make sure your oven is preheated to 275 degrees for even cooking.
If you find the meat isn’t shredding easily after the suggested cooking time, give it a little more time in the oven.
Finally, don’t forget to let the meat rest for about 15 minutes before shredding. This helps keep it juicy and tender.
Enjoy your flavorful masterpiece!