Flavor Layering Series: Boneless Pork Shoulder

Flavor Layering Series: Boneless Pork Shoulder

Ingredients:

- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder

- 1 tablespoon paprika

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder

- 1 tablespoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably a smoky or tangy variety)

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- Juice of 2 lemons

- Zest of 1 lemon

- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as cilantro or parsley)


Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  1. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  1. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is coated on all sides.
  1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides until nicely seared. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
  1. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  1. Deglaze the pot by pouring in the chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  1. Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
  1. Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the sauce mixture. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil.
  1. Place the pot in the preheated oven and cook for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  1. Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and transfer the pork shoulder to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes.
  1. Meanwhile, increase the heat on the pot and simmer the sauce for a few minutes to thicken it slightly.
  1. Slice or shred the pork shoulder, and then return it to the pot with the sauce. Stir to coat the pork evenly.
  1. Serve the boneless pork shoulder on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs. You can enjoy it as a main dish or use it to make sandwiches or tacos.

This recipe will provide tender and flavorful boneless pork shoulder. Enjoy!