Do you have a 9 pound pork shoulder that you’re looking to cook? It can be intimidating to tackle such a large piece of meat, but with the right steps, you can have an amazing pork shoulder that will turn heads. From marinating and seasoning to cooking and serving, I’ll show you how to cook a 9 pound pork shoulder that will be the star of the show.
Contents
Marinating and Seasoning the Pork
The first step in cooking a 9 pound pork shoulder is to season and marinate it. This ensures that the meat is flavorful and juicy. Start by creating a marinade that’s made up of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine. Place the pork shoulder in a baking dish and then pour the marinade over it. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
When it’s time to season the pork, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. Try to create a unique mix that will really bring out the flavor of the pork. Some of my favorites include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano. Once you’ve mixed all the spices together, rub them into the pork shoulder. Let it sit for a few minutes before cooking.
Cooking the Pork Shoulder
Now that you’ve marinated and seasoned the pork shoulder, you’re ready to cook it. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 2-3 hours. Check the internal temperature of the pork with a thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through. It should be at least 145 degrees F.
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and give you a juicy and tender piece of pork. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and place the pork shoulder back in the oven. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees F and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This will give it a nice crispiness.
Serving the Pork Shoulder
Once the pork is cooked, it’s time to serve it. To make sure the pork shoulder is tender and juicy, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice the pork into 1/2 inch thick slices and serve. You can serve the pork with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
For a truly unforgettable meal, serve the pork shoulder with a side of homemade BBQ sauce. You can make a simple BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients. The sauce will add a nice sweet and tangy flavor to the pork.
Conclusion
Cooking a 9 pound pork shoulder can seem intimidating, but with the right steps, you can have an amazing meal that’s sure to please. Start by marinating and seasoning the pork. Then, bake it in the oven until it’s cooked through. Finally, let it rest and serve it with a side of homemade BBQ sauce. Following these steps will ensure your pork shoulder is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Now, let’s get cooking!
As the great chef Julia Child once said, “No matter what happens in the kitchen, never apologize.” So don’t be afraid to tackle that 9 pound pork shoulder and show off your cooking skills. You can do it!
