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    The 30 BEST Pork Shoulder Recipes

    If you are looking for some of the juiciest and delicious recipes to cook with pork, You have to make it with pork shoulder. No other cut of pork can yield that tender, juicy pork everyone loves, be it in stews, roast or in crockpot meals. These Pork Shoulder Recipes have it all and some more.

    From classic barbecue pulled pork to internationally inspired stews and crockpot pork meals, we’ve got everything you need for best tasting pork dinners. We have included Mojo Pork, Pernil, Kale Pork, carnitas, vindaloo and so many other finger licking delicious pork shoulder recipes from all over the world. Go through all and tell us which one you tried first.

    pork shoulder recipes pin

    Pork Shoulder Recipes:

    1. Kalua Pork (Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork)

    Let’s start our list of Pork Shoulder Recipes with a classic Hawaiian delicacy, Kalua Pork. It’s traditionally cooked in an earth oven. But don’t worry, you don’t have to dig a hole in your backyard, this recipe gives you three different methods.

    It’s super effortless to make, and needs only 3 ingredients. You can cook this dish in the oven, crock pot or instant pot.

    Wow your friends and family with these simple, yet amazingly delicious flavors. We bet they’ll be asking for the recipe!

    Get the Recipe: Kalua Pork


    2. Chile Verde

    Guys, this Chili Verde is a Tex-Mex classic that needs to find its way into your kitchen.

    Melt-in-your-mouth tender pork chunks are flavored with a super delicious, spicy tomatillo sauce. The best part is, these flavors don’t require any effort. Just do some quick prep work, put it in the slow cooker, and wait for the magic to happen.

    It’s a fantastic recipe that will become one of your favorite pork shoulder recipes in no time.

    Get the Recipe: Chile Verde


    3. Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder)

    If you love big flavors, then this Pernil, or Puerto Rican Roast Pork, is perfect for you.

    A whole pork shoulder is marinated overnight in garlic, herbs, and other great Latin seasonings and then slow-roasted for hours. The skin is amazingly crispy and delicious, and it’s so tender that it falls off the bone!

    Whether it’s a Christmas celebration, a family get-together, or just a simple Sunday dinner, this Pernil will always win everyone’s heart!

    Get the Recipe: Pernil


    4. Pork Stew

    Our Pork Stew is the ultimate winter time one-pot dinner, full of flavor and sure to satisfy your hungry crowd. Pork shoulder chunks simmer in a wine and herb enhanced gravy along with hearty vegetables. 

    This wonderful dish can be made on stovetop, or in a slow cooker or instant pot, you’re choice. Make a big batch, because everyone’s gonna want leftovers!

    Get the Recipe: Pork Stew


    5. Crock Pot Barbacoa Pork

    If you like your crockpot, then this Crockpot Barbacoa Pork recipe will definitely earn its place in your repertoire.

    Imagine when pork shoulder is braised low and slow, simmering for hours in intense Mexican flavors like chipotle in adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and lots of lime juice and cilantro. The pork simply melts in your mouth it’s so tender!

    The best part is you don’t have to do much work. Leave everything to your favorite kitchen appliance, and it will deliver the best pork!

    Get the Recipe: Barbacoa Pork


    6. Filipino Pork Adobo

    Tender, melt in your mouth pork loaded with tons of flavors, cooked for hours to a create rich, savory stew… that’s our Pork Adobo for you!

    This version of Pork Adobo is tad bit more tasty and addictive. It’s called Adobo sa Gata! It takes the classic adobo and adds a creamy twist with the inclusion of coconut milk.

    Get the Recipe: Pork Adobo


    7. Cochon de Lait (Cajun Pulled Pork Shoulder)

    Cochon de Lait is a popular and ultra-delicious pulled pork recipe from Louisiana. Traditionally, it’s an all-day pig roast event, but with this recipe, you can enjoy the classic flavors in your own kitchen.

    The combination of seasonings, along with a hint of apple cider, gives some awesome flavors to this pork. You can make this in your slow cooker or in an instant pot for a fast and succulent Cajun treat.

    You can serve Cochon de Lait with many variations, and all the ideas are included in the recipe.

    It’s one of our favorite pork shoulder recipes.

    Get the Recipe: Cochon de Lait


    8. Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

    Now you can make authentic Mexican Carnitas at home with this no-fail recipe.

    This Mexican slow cooker pulled pork will be a winner with anyone. You can make so many versatile dishes with it, like burritos, tacos, and many more.

    You will love the tender and juicy meat on the inside and the crisp and golden edges outside, making it so good.

    There are two options to get the perfect crisp on your pork, so what are you waiting for? Make your festivals, holidays, or simple weekend dinners amazing with these Pork Carnitas!

    Get the Recipe: Carnitas


    9. Pork Vindaloo

    Experience the best pork ever by giving it a delicious Indian makeover with this Pork Vindaloo recipe. It’s pleasantly hot, tingling, tangy, and slightly sweet, with flavors that you will love.

    Once you master how to make curry base, you can use pretty much any protein to make this curry, and with this easy and authentic recipe, you can seriously impress your loved ones.

    Serve this with hot basmati rice or some Indian rotis or naans, and we bet you will remember this Vindaloo for a long time.

    Get the Recipe: Pork Vindaloo


    10. Carne Adovada

    Carne Adovada is a delightfully flavorful stewed pork dish from New Mexico, where dried chili peppers are the star attraction. You can serve this Carne Adovada with white rice, cilantro rice, flour tortillas, or corn tortillas.

    Get the Recipe: Carne Adovada


    11. Brunswick Stew

    We are sure you are going to love this Brunswick Stew as much as we do. This Southern, hearty stew is the perfect contender for your chilly nights.

    A tomato-based stew loaded with meats and veggies is flavored with barbeque sauce, making it simply divine.

    It’s super easy to make and needs only a few minutes of hands-on time. Plus, you can make it over a stovetop, in a crockpot, with an instant pot, whichever you prefer.

    So try this stew this winter, or anytime you crave cozy Southern flavors. It’s too yummy!

    Get the Recipe: Brunswick Stew


    12. Filipino Pork Menudo

    Menudo is a popular pork stew from the Philippines, and is one of the celebratory dishes that feed large crowds and makes everyone very happy.

    It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, like most stews. The giant bowl of comfy, cozy tomato and pork stew with a hint of umami flavors and incredible ingredients makes it perfect! Make sure you follow the recipe to get the best out of this dish.

    We bet it will become one of your top pork shoulder recipes!

    Get the Recipe: Pork Menudo


    13. Cuban Mojo Pork

    Mojo is a Cuban garlic and citrus marinade that adds a ton of flavor. This Mojo pulled pork is so tender and flavorful. Serve with black beans and rice for the ultimate Latin feast.

    Get the Recipe: Mojo Pork


    14.  Pozole Rojo

    Pozole Rojo is an ultimate Mexican soup! This classy, cozy, and incredibly delicious recipe is a rich vibrant bowl of goodness.

    In this classic recipe, tender pork and hominy are simmered in a fragrant broth seasoned with aromatic spices and mild chilis. This creates a perfect balance of robust flavors and hearty textures. The stew is then topped with an array of fresh, crunchy, and zesty garnishes.

    Get the Recipe: Pozole Rojo


    15. Slow Cooker Pork Roast

    Here is yet another Slow Cooker Pork Roast classic recipe for you to try. It’s simple, naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and at its finest!

    The pork shoulder roast cooks along with carrots, potatoes, herbs, and some aromatics that add so many flavors to this pork and make it so special.

    Simply follow this easy recipe step by step and savor the juiciest and tenderest meat to make your Sunday family dinner super hit. You will love it!

    Get the Recipe @ getinspiredeveryday


    16. Café Rio Copycat Sweet Pulled Pork

    Try this Café Rio’s copycat version of Sweet Pulled Pork and upgrade your lunches and dinners to the next level of deliciousness.

    This tried-and-tasted recipe is so good, and it needs hardly any effort to make. Just marinate your pork overnight, let it cook low and slow, and that’s it! At the end of the day, you will taste the best-pulled pork of your life!

    You can make a salad with some rice, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and a drizzle of cilantro ranch dressing. It tastes exactly like your favorite Café Rio’s, and you can make sandwiches or tacos. The options are endless!

    Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic


    17. Bigos (Hunter’s Stew)

    If you are a stew person, then meet Bigos, a Polish Hunter’s Stew. It’s the king of all the stews.

    This one-pot stew is unique and made with four types of meat, sauerkraut, fruit, and veggies. Everything combines to create a stew unlike any other. It’s loaded with perfectly sweet, sour, and briny flavors.

    So try this classic Polish dish and enjoy one of the most comforting stews ever. Everyone will love it!

    Get the Recipe @ gonnawantseconds


    18. Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

    This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is one of the most elegant braised pork recipes you will make, and it may even become your new favorite.

    To make this gourmet pork, you need very simple ingredients, like unfiltered apple cider, granny smith apples, onions, garlic, herbs, spices, and white wine to get the best flavors from your favorite pork shoulder.

    Braising is an easy technique that anyone can do and turns this dish into a masterpiece. It can make a great main course for your special occasions or a delicious Sunday dinner.

    This Braised Pork Shoulder is a must-try recipe for sure!

    Get the Recipe @ diethood


    19. Cochinita Pibil

    Make the most traditional Mexican Cochinita Pibil with the help of this easy-to-follow recipe.

    The meat is super juicy, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, and has a taste of orange juice, achiote marinade, and a richness from spices that make it super delicious.

    You can make this Mexican classic in a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or in a Dutch oven, so make your choice and try this awesome dish!

    The most common way to enjoy this delicacy is in the form of tacos with pickled onions and fresh cilantro on top.

    Get the Recipe @ greenhealthycooking


    20. BBQ Pulled Pork

    BBQ Pulled Pork doesn’t get any better than this super awesome recipe. It’s amazingly flavorful, seriously easy to make, and super versatile.

    This recipe includes a combination of big flavors. The pork shoulder is rubbed with garlic, heavily dusted in spiced BBQ dry rub, and then cooked low and slow in an umami-packed liquid made of beer and a few pantry staples. The pork is super flavorful, succulent, and fall-apart tender.

    This one-pot recipe needs very little active prep time, so it’s super convenient. Oven braised, slow cooker, and instant pot instructions are included, so you can choose your favorite cooking method.

    It will definitely be your new go-to recipe if you love pulled pork.

    Get the Recipe @ playswellwithbutter


    21. Homestyle Pork Ragout

    Have you made French Ragout yet? If not, then now is the time to make this homestyle dish for your loved ones.

    This magical slow cooked dish is made with braised pork shoulder with delicious veggies, aromatics, tomatoes, herbs, and wine sauce, giving the meal an extra punch of flavors.

    This Ragout also can be made in your Dutch oven, slow cooker, or in an instant pot. All of the instructions are included in the recipe.

    It makes an awesome comfort family food and can be savored with mashed potatoes or buttery noodles.

    Get the Recipe @ garlicandzest


    22. Momofuku Bossam (Korean Slow Cooked Pork Roast)

    An iconic dish from the famous chef David Chang’s Momofuku restaurant is this Momofuku Bossam, or Korean Slow Cooked Pork Roast. It will be an epic centerpiece to any of your special events without costing too much.

    This version consists of pork shoulder that is dry-cured overnight and then slow-cooked for 5 to 6 hours until it melts in your mouth tenderly. It is then slathered with a brown sugar rub to give it an epic caramelized crust.

    This recipe has all the details and tips to make this Momofuku Bossam a super hit.

    Get the Recipe @ recipetineats


    23. Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder 

    Get ready to make the best Slow Roast Pork Shoulder that is flavored with the yummiest pork dry rub, and then slow-cooked in the oven to get the perfect juicy meat inside and crispy, crunchy outside.

    Just make sure you follow this simple recipe to the letter to get the best out of this delicious recipe. Devour the meat in tacos, sandwiches, or savor it as it is with some veggies.

    It will surely become one of your favorite pork shoulder recipes.

    Get the Recipe @ fitfoodiefinds


    24. Jamaican Jerk Pork Shoulder

    Try this Jamaican Jerk Pork Shoulder recipe for your next summer gathering, and it will become your all-time favorite tradition.

    This pork feed crowds. The succulent pork shoulder is marinated in jerk spices overnight to get the best flavors, and then slow-roasted until it melts in your mouth deliciously.

    This recipe shows step-by-step instructions to make it awesome every time.

    You can serve this amazing roast with any tropical dish you like, and many yummy pairing options are included in the recipe. So get ready to showcase this stunning pork shoulder this summer!

    Get the Recipe @ burrataandbubbles


    25. Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    These Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches make such an amazing weeknight meal that you will surely want to make them again and again.

    You will love how these sweet and tangy pork shoulder flavors deliver the ultimate dish that is super simple to make and flavorful.

    Load this scrumptious meat in a bun along with fresh coleslaw and make yourself the best sandwich. It’s a really fantastic treat in itself.

    Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy


    26. Tacos Al Pastor

    All taco lovers, this Tacos Al Pastor is a jackpot recipe for you. It is so delicious that it’s an easy contender for your future get-togethers, game days, or a simple weeknight dinner.

    The hero of this recipe is the super delicious, citrusy, spicy, and earthy marinade which makes this pork simply outstanding, and you can use this marinade for your other favorite proteins, too.

    This is a completely restaurant-worthy dish that you can enjoy right at home with this recipe and make some seriously delicious Mexican classic dishes with it.

    Serve this ultimate taco with grilled, fresh pineapples, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and Pico de Gallo or some salsa, and enjoy your new favorite tacos with everyone you love.

    You will adore Tacos Al Pastor for sure!

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    27. Chile Colorado

    Do you enjoy a cozy bowl of chili? Then we are certain you will fall in love with this Chile Colorado.

    This perfectly flavorful recipe is made in three simple steps. First, make the delicious sauce. Second, brown the pork to perfection, and third, simmer them both in broth until the sauce is thickened and the meat falls apart.

    It takes simple ingredients, and you can easily balance the heat. To get the most delicious flavors, serve it hot with rice or tortillas and make the best Sunday dinner ever!

    You will add this recipe to your menu rotation for sure.

    Get the Recipe @ girlgonegourmet


    28. Mexican Pork Stew

    This Mexican Pork Stew is total soul food. It’s rich, filling, and brimming with classic Mexican flavors.

    This one-pot dish is made with pork, sausages, beans, and spices, which add so much fantastic flavors. You can’t go wrong with this combination.

    Serve this stew with your favorite crispy bread and scoop out all the goodness in one single bite. You will love it!

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    29. Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

    Now it’s time for a signature dish from Cantonese cuisine, Char Siu, or Chicken BBQ Pork. Enjoy this restaurant-quality pork at home!

    This Char Siu looks elegant, but it’s super simple to make. No fancy skills or ingredients are required. You just need a few basic ingredients and to follow the temperature and timing to make this pork just phenomenal.

    It’s one of the tastiest ways to jazz up your favorite pork cut, and it’s popular, too. So try it and learn just how awesome it is!

    Get the Recipe @ redhousespice


    30. Burgoo

    Want to try some new flavors? Then try this Burgoo! It’s a quintessential dish from Kentucky, and it’s sure to be a new beloved stew.

    This rich, hearty, and meaty stew is made with many different but flavorful ingredients that go amazingly with each other, making this one scrumptious dish.

    This recipe is so forgiving that you can easily make it your own. You can serve this Burgoo with almost anything you like, as it will taste amazing with everything!

    Don’t just take my word. Try it for yourself!

    Get the Recipe @ africanbites


    So there you go, thirty easy and delicious pork shoulder recipes. Which one will you try first?

    Pin or bookmark this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

    Check out these other great recipe collections:
    Pork Chop Recipes
    Pork Loin Recipes
    Pork Butt Recipes
    Pulled Pork Recipes
    Asian Pork Recipes
    Mexican Pork Recipes
    Chinese Pork Recipes
    Asian Pork Recipes
    Ground Pork Recipes

    featured image for pork shoulder recipes post

    30 BEST Pork Shoulder Recipes

    This collection of succulent Pork Shoulder Recipes includes thirty great dishes that can be your potluck centerpieces, or effortless slow cooker weeknight dinners.

    Ingredients

    • 4-6 lbs pork shoulder
    • 1-1.5 Tbsp Hawaiian sea salt
    • 1 Tbsp liquid smoke
    • 2 Tbsp oil

    Instructions

    1. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork for about 3 minutes per side to brown it all over. 
    2. Place the pork in slow cooker and drizzle liquid smoke over all sides. Season all sides with salt. 
    3. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 10-12 hours, or until fork tender. 
    4. Remove the pork roast from the slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl or serving platter, and shred the meat, removing any large pieces of fat or bone, if any. Spoon as much of the extra liquid from the slow cooker as desired over the shredded kalua pork to keep it from drying out. You might not add all of the liquid back, but save it for storing the pork in if there are leftovers.
    5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in reserved liquid for a few days.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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