How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder at 300ºF & 350ºF? Recipe

How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder at 300ºF & 350ºF? Recipe

Cooking pork shoulder at a low temperature for a long time is a great way to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy. Pork shoulder is a great cut of meat for slow cooking, as it becomes tender when cooked over low heat for an extended period.

When cooking pork shoulder, you will want to ensure that it is cooked through and not pink in the center.

Different temperatures will produce different results, so it is important to know how long to cook pork shoulder at 300ºF and 350ºF.

In this recipe, we will show you how to cook pork shoulder at both temperatures to get the best results for your meal.

The result will be a delicious and tender pork dish that everyone will love!

What is the best temperature to cook pork shoulder?

Pork shoulder cooking time and temperature

When it comes to pork shoulder, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The best temperature to cook pork shoulder depends on your personal preferences and the type of dish you are preparing. But in general, it is best to cook pork shoulder at 300ºF.

If you are looking for a traditional roast, you will want to cook your pork shoulder at a higher temperature, around 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to crisp the skin and provide a juicy interior.

However, if you prepare pulled pork or another slow-cooked dish, you will want to cook your shoulder at a lower temperature, around 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will prevent the meat from drying out and falling apart. No matter what temperature you choose, always make sure that your pork shoulder is cooked before serving.

How long does it take to cook pork shoulder at 300ºF?

How long does it take to cook pork shoulder at 300ºF

The cooking time for pork shoulder will vary depending on several factors. The size and thickness of the pork shoulder and the desired level of doneness all play a role in determining cooking time. 

In general, however, pork shoulder should be cooked at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-4 hours.

For best results, plan to check on the pork shoulder every hour to ensure that it has reached the desired level of doneness.

How long does it take to cook pork shoulder at 350ºF?

Cooked pork shoulder at 350ºF

The cooking time for pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will be shorter than if you cooked it at a lower temperature.

In general, you should plan to cook pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1-2 hours.

With patience and care, you can cook a delicious and juicy pork shoulder that everyone will enjoy.

Should I cook at 300ºF or 350ºF?

The answer to this question depends on how you want your pork shoulder to turn out. If you want it to be more tender, cook it at 300ºF. If you want it to be more crispy, cook it at 350ºF.

To determine the optimal cooking temperature for pork shoulder, a study was conducted in which two different cooking temperatures were tested. 

The study’s results showed that pork shoulder cooked at 300ºF resulted in a more tender product than when cooked at 350ºF.

Therefore, it is recommended that pork shoulder be cooked at 300ºF for the most tender and juicy product.

How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder at 300ºF & 350ºF? Recipe

How to Cook Pork Shoulder 300ºF

This recipe will show you how to cook pork shoulder at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a juicy and flavorful piece of meat that can be shredded and used in various dishes. Let's start?
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time (optional): 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pork shoulder (5-6 pounds)
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 3 Cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups Chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup Red wine
  • 1 tbsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp Dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and brown on all sides.
  • Add the onion, garlic, chicken or beef broth, red wine, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Cover the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork shoulder is tender.
  • Remove the pork shoulder from the skillet and shred with a fork. Serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword How long to cook pork shoulder at 300ºF

How do I know when the pork shoulder is done?

The best way to tell if pork shoulder is done is by using a thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but many prefer to cook it at a slightly higher temperature.

The thermometer should read between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

At this point, the pork will be tender and juicy, with a slightly pink center.

If I don’t have a thermometer?

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also tell if pork shoulder is done by checking the color of the meat. Raw pork shoulder is typically pale in color, while cooked pork shoulder will be pink or light brown. 

Finally, you can test for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat.

It is probably done if it feels tender and pulls apart easily. However, keep in mind that pork shoulder can dry out quickly, so it’s better to err on caution and take it off the heat before it reaches the perfect temperature.

Can I add or replace some ingredients?

Of course! This recipe is a starting point, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients.

For example, you could replace the red wine with white wine or apple cider. You could also add additional vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes. 

And, if you’re looking for a bit of a flavor boost, try adding some BBQ sauce or hot sauce to the mix. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and be creative! 

Tips and tricks for a better recipe

Spices for this recipe

First of all, for a more authentic flavor, use pork shoulder marinated in a red wine and herb mixture overnight.

  • If you don’t have time to marinate the pork shoulder, you can sear it in the skillet with some olive oil before adding the remaining ingredients.
  • Be sure to deglaze the skillet after searing the pork shoulder. This will help to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs if possible. They will add a bright flavor to the dish.
  • To save time, you can cook the pork shoulder in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
  • If you want a thinner sauce, you can omit the red wine or reduce the amount used.
  • For a richer sauce, use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Add chopped carrots and celery to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Use a full-bodied red wine for best results.
  • Be sure to season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
  • If you like a little heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the dish.
  • For a heartier meal, serve the shredded pork over cooked rice or quinoa.
  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
  • Add a green salad on the side for a complete meal.

And finally, if you don’t have por shoulder, you can use pork butt, pork leg, or center cut pork loin.

Final Words

This recipe is a great starting point for making your own delicious and flavorful pork shoulder dish. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. And, don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper.

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.