How to cook pork shoulder

Pork shoulder, available in bone-in or boneless options, is a versatile meat that 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. It also depends on 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 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 of time will vary based on the joint’s size and whether you have chosen a shoulder of pork with or without bones.

Cooking 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 roast pork shoulder

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 the 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 just 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 the 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 you’ve just made.
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. Be sure to 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 for between 8 and 10 minutes, turning occasionally. The steaks should be cooked until they are no longer pink inside, reaching 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 roast pork recipe, perfectly complemented by classic sides. Try cooking up sides like sautéed kale and cabbage, buttery corn on the cob or some homemade chips. In the autumn, the combination of cooked apples, pears, and plums pair well with pork shoulder, as their sweetness and slight acidity help to cut through the pork fat.

Pork shoulder and Pork recipes

Explore these flavourful pork recipes to kick-start your culinary journey.

• Quick Vietnamese-Style Pork recipe
• Ginger Pork Stir-Fry recipe
• Thai-Style Crispy Pork & Egg Noodles recipe
• Honey Glazed Pork and Potatoes recipe

You can also find plenty more dinner inspiration on the HelloFresh menu – take a look for more meal ideas and recipes!