Roasted Herb Pork Shoulder

Featured in: Rustic Family Favorites

This dish features a bone-in pork shoulder slow roasted at 325°F, rubbed with a blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage. The shoulder is placed atop a bed of onions and carrots with white wine or broth to enhance its natural juices and flavor. Roasting for 2.5 to 3 hours results in tender, richly flavored meat that can be crisped in a final 15-minute high-heat blast. Resting before carving ensures moist, juicy slices perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:38:00 GMT
Succulent roasted herb pork shoulder garnished with tender vegetables and aromatic herbs.  Pin It
Succulent roasted herb pork shoulder garnished with tender vegetables and aromatic herbs. | lushkettle.com

A succulent pork shoulder slow-roasted with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal.

This slow-roasted pork shoulder quickly became a favorite at family dinners thanks to its rich flavor and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Pork: 1 (4–5 lb / 1.8–2.3 kg) bone-in pork shoulder, skin scored
  • Herb Rub: 4 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped, 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped, 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For Roasting: 1 large onion, quartered, 2 carrots, cut into chunks, 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare Herb Paste:
In a small bowl, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and olive oil to form a paste.
Apply Rub:
Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the herb paste thoroughly over the entire surface, working it into the scores on the skin.
Arrange for Roasting:
Place onion and carrots in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Set the pork shoulder on top, skin side up.
Add Liquid:
Pour wine or broth into the pan around (not over) the pork.
Roast:
Roast uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is deeply browned and very tender (an internal temperature of 195°F/90°C is ideal for shredding).
Crisp Skin (Optional):
If desired, increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before carving or shredding. Serve with pan juices and roasted vegetables.
Mouthwatering roasted herb pork shoulder served with a rich sauce and fresh herbs.  Pin It
Mouthwatering roasted herb pork shoulder served with a rich sauce and fresh herbs. | lushkettle.com

Gathering around the table with family to enjoy this hearty pork shoulder is always a cherished moment.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Wine Pairing

Try a medium-bodied red such as Pinot Noir to complement the flavors.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains no common allergens, but check store-bought broth labels for gluten or other allergens as needed.

Tender, flavorful roasted herb pork shoulder paired with roasted carrots and onions. Pin It
Tender, flavorful roasted herb pork shoulder paired with roasted carrots and onions. | lushkettle.com

Enjoy this flavorful roast as a centerpiece for your next family gathering or special occasion.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What herbs enhance the flavor of the pork shoulder?

Fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage combine to create a fragrant and flavorful herb rub.

How should the pork shoulder be prepared before roasting?

Score the skin and rub the herb paste thoroughly into the surface and scored areas for maximum flavor penetration.

What is the ideal internal temperature for tender pork shoulder?

An internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) ensures the pork is tender enough to shred easily.

Can dried herbs be used instead of fresh ones?

Yes, substitute dried herbs at one-third the quantity called for fresh herbs to maintain balanced flavors.

What side dishes complement this slow-roasted pork?

Roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully to balance the rich meat flavors.

Roasted Herb Pork Shoulder

Slow roasted pork shoulder with garlic and fresh herbs, delivering tender, flavorful meat for gatherings.

Time to Prep
20 mins
Time to Cook
180 mins
Full Prep Time
200 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Medium

Culinary Tradition American

Portion 6 Serving Size

Dietary Details No Dairy, No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You Need

Pork

01 1 bone-in pork shoulder (4–5 lb; 1.8–2.3 kg), skin scored

Herb Rub

01 4 cloves garlic, minced
02 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
03 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
04 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
05 2 tsp kosher salt
06 1 tsp black pepper
07 2 tbsp olive oil

Roasting

01 1 large onion, quartered
02 2 carrots, cut into chunks
03 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (240 ml)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 02

Prepare Herb Paste: Combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a bowl to form a paste.

Step 03

Apply Herb Rub: Pat pork shoulder dry and evenly rub herb paste over all surfaces, working it into the scored skin.

Step 04

Arrange Vegetables and Pork: Place quartered onion and carrot chunks in a large roasting pan and set the pork shoulder on top, skin side up.

Step 05

Add Liquid: Pour white wine or chicken broth around the pork in the pan, avoiding pouring over the meat.

Step 06

Roast Pork: Roast uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) for shredding.

Step 07

Crisp Skin (Optional): Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the final 15 minutes to crisp the skin, if desired.

Step 08

Rest and Serve: Remove pork from oven, loosely tent with foil, and rest for 20 minutes before carving or shredding. Serve with pan juices and roasted vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large roasting pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify broth ingredients if store-bought.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 48 g