There’s something uniquely satisfying about the tender juiciness and bold flavors of a well-cooked pork shoulder. Today, we’re bringing a taste of the South into your kitchen with our recipe for Memphis Pork Shoulder. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with a mouthwatering blend of spices, resulting in a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
**Memphis Pork Shoulder**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 bone-in pork shoulder (5-6 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup yellow mustard
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a dry rub.
3. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder but leave a thin layer for flavor. Rub the dry spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and honey to create the barbecue sauce.
5. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 4 hours.
6. After 4 hours, remove the foil and baste the pork shoulder with the barbecue sauce. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and continue roasting for an additional 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
7. The pork shoulder is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and easily shreds with a fork. If needed, you can continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes to ensure it’s perfectly tender.
Serve your Memphis Pork Shoulder hot with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or your favorite barbecue sides. This dish is fantastic for gatherings as it can be prepared in advance and left to cook slowly while you attend to other tasks.
Memphis Pork Shoulder is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to fill your home with the comforting aroma of Southern spices. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this classic dish that brings a taste of Memphis right to your dining table. Remember, good food is meant to be shared, so don’t hesitate to invite friends and loved ones to enjoy this delicious meal with you.
