Deliciously Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder

This tender and flavorful pork shoulder is perfect for a cozy meal that melts in your mouth. With simple ingredients and slow cooking, it’s an easy way to impress family and friends.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 8 hr

Total Time 8 hr 10 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/9

1 (3 pound) pork shoulder 4 cups water, or as needed 8 cups white vinegar, or as needed ¼ cup kosher salt 1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground mustard 1 tablespoon chili powder ½ cup brown sugar

Why You'll Want This Again

Loaded with rich, tender meat that falls apart easily after hours of slow cooking. The long cooking time allows the flavors to deepen, making every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

Kitchen Advice

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the right temperature for safety and tenderness.
- Sear the pork shoulder before slow cooking to lock in juices and add extra flavor.
- Add aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs to the slow cooker for a more complex taste.

Step 1

Put the pork shoulder in a ceramic bowl that fits inside your slow cooker. Mix water and white vinegar in a 1-to-2 ratio (twice as much vinegar as water) and pour enough over the pork to completely cover it. Sprinkle in the salt, then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 if you have the time.

Step 2

When you’re ready to cook, drain some of the liquid so that about half an inch of the pork is poking out. Toss the onion into the remaining liquid. Sprinkle the exposed pork with cumin, mustard powder, chili powder, and brown sugar.

Step 3

Set the bowl back into the slow cooker base and cook on high for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is super tender and falls apart with ease.

Step 4

Once it’s done, carefully lift the pork out onto a cutting board and shred it using two forks. Trim off any extra fat before serving.

Creative Serving Ideas

Serve the pork with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh coleslaw. It also works great shredded in sandwiches or tacos, paired with your favorite barbecue sauce or salsa.

Food Storage Guide

Let the meat cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

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By Daniel Carter

Recipe Developer

Daniel focuses on practical, easy-to-follow recipes designed for everyday home cooking.