Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder

Savour the mouth watering aroma and tender texture of Wood-Fired Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder with our irresistible recipe. Slow-roasted to perfection in a wood-fired oven, this dish is bursting with flavour and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, our simple instructions cater to all skill levels. Plus, it's suitable for gluten-free diets, making it a crowd-pleaser for all. Serve shredded pork shoulder on sandwiches, tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves

Recipe

1. Preheat your wood-fired oven to around 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, diced onion, smoked paprika, brown sugar, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create a spice rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. In a large cast iron Dutch oven or ovenproof pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork shoulder and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the pork shoulder from the pot and set it aside. Add chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaves to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid.
7. Transfer the pot to the preheated wood-fired oven and slow-cook the pork shoulder for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Baste the pork occasionally with the cooking juices to keep it moist.
8. Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and let the pork shoulder rest for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks.

Duration to Cook: Approximately 4-6 hours.

Chef Skill Level: Intermediate

Vegan: No

Vegetarian: No

Gluten-Free: Yes

Serving Suggestion

Serve the wood-fired slow-cooked pork shoulder hot, shredded on sandwiches, tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables. Drizzle with the cooking juices for added flavor, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired. Enjoy this tender and flavorful dish as a comforting and satisfying meal.