Smoked Pork Shoulder | Slow Cooker Method
This smoked pork shoulder is cooked low and slow until it’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Simply place the meat in the cooker with a touch of sugar and let it do its thing until it’s ready.
My favorite meat is smoked pork shoulder. The end. That is all. I confessed.
I feel better.
Wait…!
Why do I have to confess that it’s my favorite meat? There is no one breathing down my neck demanding to know. And Christopher knows very well that it is my favorite. Ask him, he will tell you that I say it every time I eat this glorious food.
I should probably stop doing that.
Probably.
I wonder if that will really happen?
Probably not.
Sorry Christopher.
This post has been republished because it’s delicious and I wanted it to appear before Easter. The powers that be, (mainly the big search engine), want posts written a certain way. This is the one post that I refuse to re-write in that cookie cutter way.
It reflects the part of my personality that I show my family and friends which is funny and silly and I’m okay with that.
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How to make a smoked pork shoulder
I grab my trusty crockpot and put some brown sugar on the bottom of the ceramic insert. I press it down and smile as I am doing it because – anticipation, my dear friends, anticipation! I save a little of the sugar for the top of the meat.
*I do the smoked shoulder shuffle, which resembles the hustle, but in a very small space.*
Next, comes the smoked pork shoulder picnic cut. The one I bought (pictured below) is 4 pounds. I’m so glad the store sells smoked shoulder in a smaller size. My sister cooks a HUGE shoulder, usually around 9 – 10 pounds. But, since it’s just hubby and I, 3 – 4 pounds will do nicely for us.
I take the shoulder out of its packaging and place it right on top of the brown sugar.
The pork shoulder is screaming, “Give me some sugar, baby! Some shu-gah!”
Soooo, I take the rest of the brown sugar and play patty cake with the top of the meat.
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Now, I cover the crockpot and set the temperature to high and the timer to 4 hours.
Anticipation
I grab a chair, drag it over to the crockpot and sit and stare at the timer. It’s mesmerizing. Actually it’s boring, so, I get up and go about my day. That’s not to say that I don’t take sneak peeks at the timer, because I do.
It takes at least 2 hours for the brown sugar to melt, so don’t get nervous. There isn’t any need to baste the smoked pork shoulder, so leave it covered!
Two more hours pass and DING! My favorite sound in the whole wide world.
I gallop to the crockpot and whip the cover off, spraying the condensation that accrued on the cover in a pretty arc.
With my big forks, I stab the shoulder, lift it out of the crockpot and place it on a platter to rest at least 15 minutes before I cut into it.
How unfair is that?
Look at that juice, PEOPLE!! Is anyone else as happy as I am this very minute? I think not, I think not!
So, 15 minutes drags on and on and on and on but I persevere and can finally cut into the shoulder.
I cut the skin off and cut some slices.
I pour the juice from the bottom of the crockpot into a little gravy boat. Then I plate the meat with some roasted carrots and potatoes and scream for Christopher. He comes thundering down the stairs and skids to a stop right behind his chair. He sits, grinning in anticipation.
I place his plate in front of him, take off my apron and sit in front of my plate.
I look happily at Christopher, and we both dig in. The rest is history.
Other popular crock pot recipes
I hope you enjoy this smoked pork shoulder recipe as much as I do! And please leave me a comment if you are so inclined as I’d love to hear from you. Tell me what your favorite meat is!
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Smoked Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 3.5 pound smoked pork shoulder picnic
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In the bottom of your crockpot, pat down most of the brown sugar.1/4 cup brown sugar
- Place the unwrapped smoked shoulder on top of the brown sugar. Pat the remaining brown sugar on the meat.3.5 pound smoked pork shoulder picnic
- Cover crockpot and set the timer for 4 hours on high.
- Once the timer dings, take the shoulder out and place on a platter and let it sit for 15 minutes before cutting into it.
- Cut the skin off if it came with it and any obvious fat. Slice the meat and arrange it on a platter.
- Eat, smile, and enjoy.
Equipment
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Helpful tips
- If you’re buying a slow cooker, a 6-quart size is a great choice. It gives you room to cook larger cuts like pork shoulder and still have leftovers to freeze.
- Pork shoulder works with either bone-in or boneless cuts. I prefer bone-in for extra flavor, and the bone is great for making soups later.
- If your pork has the skin attached, you can trim it off before cooking or leave it on. Leaving it on can add extra flavor and richness.
- Trim any excess fat if needed, but leave some in place since it helps keep the meat moist as it cooks.
- For the best texture, cook the pork low and slow until it easily pulls apart with a fork.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding so it stays juicy. - This pork stores well. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
Originally published September 2016.
This smoked picnic is wonderful, just as you said. I do have one question. My piece was a half picnic at 3.5 lb. and 4 hours was perfect. If I were to cook a whole one at about 7 lbs, how long would I need to cook it? Would it be 8 hours? (I will make some wonderful pea soup with the bone.)
Hi Betty,
I’m glad you like the recipe. If you cook a 7 lb picnic it should take the same amount of time, so check it at 4 hours but it might be 5 at the very most. I find that 4 hours on high is perfect. Good luck. And I love pea soup! Yummers.
I’m going to try your way too! Next one I’m going to add 2-3 cups of hot apple cider to the pot. Frankly, I’ve never cooked anything in my crockpot without liquid! Gotta try it!! Thanks
You really don’t need the liquid, The fat from the shoulder along with the brown sugar liquifies. But I say go for it. I’d love to know how it goes Richard.
I think this is my favorite meat too! Great recipe.
Thanks Joyce. Yay! A kindred spirit!
Help ! I’ve always boiled mine in water. and after an hour simmering I add potatos , cabbage and carrots. summer till they are done. you don’t mention how you cook potatoes and carrots?
Jim Dolan
Jim, I usually just cook them separately. I boil them until tender. I don’t add them to the slow cooker. Though I’m thinking you could. You could add them at the beginning of the cooktime – just know they may come out sweet because of the brown sugar.
no convincing here either! this was absolutely delicious!
Thank you Rebecca!!
Wow, only two ingredients and it came out so good!
Thanks Debbye!! It’s so easy and basically cooks itself!
The slow cooker is my go-to all year long. And … confession is always good for the soul đŸ™‚
Lol Ginny!
One of my favorites for Easter and Sunday dinners! This was such a simple and delicious home cooked meal!
Yay, Jessica!
OMG that was amazing! I will make it again.
Thanks Jacqueline! It tastes like a more delicious ham. Mmm.
I have never made smoked pork in the crockpot! It’s fairly genius, actually and so delicious!
Thanks Beth! It’s so easy. And for the leftovers . . . can you say pea soup? đŸ™‚
Slow cooker meals are just the best! I can’t believe this was just two ingredients. It was delicious and easy.
Thank you Kate! It really is đŸ™‚
My parents raised hogs on a small farm for years and still continue to do so! Love Pork shoulder. I’m going to try this in my Dutch oven. Such wonderful flavors! I pinned for later! Such a great recipe!
That’s so cool Jessica! It’s so yummy! I appreciate your comment!
I am with you Elaine! Pork shoulder is my favorite! This was such a good recipe!
Thanks so much Analida!
Oh I love the flavor of smoked meats! This was so simple and delicious, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Karyl! Me too! Thanks for the comment!
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a smoked pork shoulder. Your recipe is so tasty and I love that you can make this version in a slow cooker!
Thanks Kathryn. It is so easy and delicious!
This recipe was so easy and delicious! Love slow cooker recipes like this one.
Thanks Christine! It’s so good!
This is another winner recipe I love eating on a regular basis!
Me too! I love it so much!
I cook smoked shoulder all the time. I’m not sure about the brown sugar though. I cook it stove top with carrots potatoes cabbage and turnip. Its our favorite winter meal. I was looking for a slow cooker recipe . But with all the vegetables. Guess Ill try it!.
Yum, Jan. We would have smoked shoulder in a boiled dinner. That’s what your recipe sounds like to me. I’m not a real “sweet added to meat lover” but for some reason, this really hits the spot. If you’re afraid it’s going to be too sweet, half the brown sugar.
This is the funniest recipe I have ever read. Thanks.
Hehe. You made my day, Brenda. I used to write most of my recipes like that, but I guess Google wasn’t amused. đŸ˜‰ It really is my favorite meat.
Elaine, I DO love your funny style of writing about this recipe, and it makes me want to make it like right NOW! I’m going to look for this cut of meat during my next InstaCart shopping trip! đŸ™‚
I enjoyed meeting you today on Skype! đŸ™‚
Hehe. Thanks Sue! It’s my favorite meat. Yes, I know I say it but it bears repeating! đŸ™‚ It was nice meeting you too.
sounds wonderful! Simple recipe, straight to the point! making it TODAY!!
Yum, can I come over Candice? đŸ˜‰ I hope you enjoy it.
It is hilarious how you described this recipe. I want to cook my shoulder on low for 8 hours. It’s for my thanksgiving dinner, a small one cause it’s only me at the dinner table. Is 8 hours too long?
Thanks Phyllis! Hehe. You can cook it on low for 8 hours. I’ve done it many times. Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoy it. đŸ™‚
8 hours on low would be, “low and slow” as per above…
That’s right, Jesse!
You are a riot!! Putting it int the crock pot right now. If my son wont eat it too bad đŸ™‚
Hehe, thanks Jane. It was one of the times I let my humor out although Google doesn’t like that. đŸ™‚ I hope you enjoyed it.
I am definitely making this for Easter. I can’t wait! My mouh is watering.
Thanks, Rebecca. It’s my favorite meat and that is what we’ll be serving too.
Does the brown sugar serve any purpose other than add sweetness? We’re cutting sugar out of our diets, and I’m wondering if this will work without it.
No, Mary. The brown sugar is just for the sweetness. So you can make the shoulder without it. But I’d put a little water or broth (1/4 or 1/2 cup) in the slow cooker. It is definitely my favorite meat and I’m making it for Easter this year and I can’t wait.