Imagine a dish so tender that it falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork, releasing a symphony of rich, savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Savory Crock Pot Pork Shoulder is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a weekend gathering, this foolproof recipe guarantees a show-stopping main course that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the pork shoulder from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a flavorful base for the meat.
- Transfer the seared pork shoulder to the crock pot, positioning it on top of the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle dried thyme evenly over the meat, adding additional seasoning depth.
- Pour chicken broth around the meat, being careful not to wash away the seasonings from the surface.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily shreddable.
- After cooking, carefully remove the pork shoulder and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
- Optional: Strain and reserve the cooking liquid to use as a sauce or for additional moisture when serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your pork shoulder come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent results.
- Searing is Your Secret Weapon: Don't skip the browning step! Searing creates a delicious golden crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to your final dish.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Cooking on low heat for 8 hours breaks down tough muscle fibers, resulting in incredibly tender, pull-apart meat.
- Moisture is Critical: The chicken broth helps keep the meat juicy and creates a fantastic base for potential gravy or sauce.
- Resting is Essential: Allow the meat to rest after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The pork can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
