Slow-Baked BBQ Pork Shoulder

Ouadie Rhabbouron
  • 1 pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless, about 4–5 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare a deep baking tray or roasting pan large enough to hold the pork comfortably.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub it evenly with olive oil on all sides.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Massage the seasoning mixture thoroughly over the pork, ensuring full coverage.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the baking tray. Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
  5. Bake for 3 to 4 hours, depending on size, until the meat is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  6. Remove the tray from the oven and carefully uncover. Brush the pork generously with BBQ sauce, adding brown sugar or honey if extra sweetness is desired.
  7. Return the pork to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes on the surface.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing or pulling apart.

Troubleshooting and Consistency Tips

If the pork feels firm after the initial baking time, continue cooking it covered for an additional 30 minutes. Pork shoulder becomes tender only when enough connective tissue has broken down.

If the BBQ sauce begins to darken too quickly during the final bake, loosely tent the pork with foil to prevent burning while still allowing caramelization.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a little extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture.

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This dish can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

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