Roasted Pork Shoulder With Garlicky Green Sauce

Roasted Pork Shoulder With Garlicky Green Sauce

10 servings
An herby, punchy green sauce transforms a humble pork shoulder into a centerpiece. Serve it at your next big gathering for very happy guests.

Ingredients

  • coarsely chopped garlic scapes or scallion greens
    1 c
  • coarsely chopped arugula

    from a 5-oz. pkg.

    1 c
  • coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

    from 1 bunch

    1 c
  • fresh mint leaves
    ½ c
  • fresh lemon juice

    from 1 lemon

    2 tbsp.
  • plus 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

    divided

    ⅝ c
  • plus 1 tsp. kosher salt

    divided, preferably diamond crystal

    2 ½ tbsp.
  • freshly ground black pepper

    divided

    3 ½ tsp.
  • 6-to-7-lb. bone-in pork shoulder

    at room temperature for 1 hour

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the green sauce: Process garlic scapes, arugula, parsley, mint, lemon juice, and 2/3 cup oil in a food processor until a smooth sauce forms, 30 to 45 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; process until well combined, about 15 seconds. Transfer to a liquid measuring cup or bowl.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven and prepare pork: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pork on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, score fat side of pork in a crosshatch pattern, with lines about 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep. Season pork on all sides with remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons salt and 3 teaspoons pepper.

  3. 3

    Sear pork: Heat a 12-inch oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high until very hot, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil; swirl to cover bottom of skillet. Using large tongs, carefully place pork, fat side down, in hot oil. Sear until fat crisps, 3 to 4 minutes. Sear remaining sides of pork until golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes per side; adjust heat as needed to prevent overbrowning. Remove skillet from heat. Turn pork fat side up. Slather half of green sauce over top of pork; reserve remaining green sauce for serving. Pour 1 cup water into bottom of skillet.

  4. 4

    Roast pork: Roast for 1 hour. Baste pork with pan juices and continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of pork reads 165°F, another 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes.

  5. 5

    Cool, slice, and serve: Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice pork against the grain into very thin slices. Transfer sliced pork to a platter. Spoon some pan juices over pork. Serve pork with remaining green sauce.

Roasted Pork Shoulder With Garlicky Green Sauce

Roasted Pork Shoulder With Garlicky Green Sauce

165 min10 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of a predictable Sunday roast? This Roasted Pork Shoulder With Garlicky Green Sauce recipe transforms a humble cut into an unforgettable centerpiece, ensuring your next gathering is truly special.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret lies in the vibrant, herby, and wonderfully punchy green sauce. This fresh condiment, bursting with garlic scapes (or scallion greens), arugula, parsley, and mint, cuts through the rich, savory pork, providing a delightful zesty contrast in every bite. It elevates the classic roasted pork shoulder from simple to sensational.

What to Expect

You're in for a treat: a wonderfully tender and succulent bone-in pork shoulder, encased in a beautifully savory crust, perfectly complemented by the bright, herbaceous, and aromatic green sauce. The freshness of the sauce ensures the dish feels robust yet balanced, never heavy. This recipe is designed to impress your guests, offering complex flavors with surprisingly approachable preparation, culminating in a satisfying meal that serves 10 happy people. With a total time of 2 hours 45 minutes, including 35 minutes of active prep, it's a rewarding project for any home cook.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines as written, it's also adaptable. If garlic scapes aren't in season, scallion greens are a perfect substitute, offering a similar mild allium flavor. For a slightly different green sauce profile, you could swap some of the arugula for spinach if you prefer a less peppery base, or even add a touch of fresh cilantro for an extra aromatic kick. Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of fresh lemon juice to suit your preference for brightness.

Serving & Context

Serve this impressive roasted pork shoulder as the star of your dinner table. It’s ideal for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to serve a memorable meal. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a light green salad to soak up all the delicious pan juices and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions