Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you craving a delicious and tender slow-cooked meal that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight?

Jump to recipePin it
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce
Prep
30 min
Total
30 min
Servings
8

Method

  1. Prepare the pork by combining garlic, oil, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika in a small bowl to create a paste.

  2. Rub the paste all over the pork.

  3. Place the pork in a resealable plastic bag or slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight.

  4. Transfer the pork to a slow cooker and cover it.

  5. Cook the pork on low heat for 7 1/2–8 hours or until it is fork-tender.

  6. While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing shallot, basil, oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in an airtight container.

  7. Let the sauce rest at room temperature for up to 3 hours or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

  8. Just before using the sauce, stir in lemon juice.

  9. Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board.

  10. Slice the pork and transfer it to a serving platter.

  11. Drizzle the pork with the sauce and serve with additional sauce on the side.

  12. The pork can be prepared with the rub up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  13. The sauce, without lemon juice, can also be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

About this recipe

Introduction

Are you craving a delicious and tender slow-cooked meal that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce recipe. With just a few simple steps and a little bit of patience, you can create a flavorful dish that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.

Why Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder?

Using a slow cooker to prepare your pork shoulder has its advantages. Not only does it save you time and effort in the kitchen, but it also ensures that your meat is tender, juicy, and infused with all the wonderful flavors of the zesty basil sauce. The slow cooking process allows the pork to slowly break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to resist.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker:

1. Convenience: Set it and forget it! Once you've prepared your ingredients and set the timer, you can go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work.

2. Flavorsome Results: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

3. Tender and Juicy: The low and slow cooking method ensures that your pork shoulder is fall-apart tender and moist.

The Zesty Basil Sauce

The star of this recipe is the zesty basil sauce. Bursting with aromatic flavors, this sauce adds a tangy and herbaceous kick to the succulent pork. Made with fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of chili flakes, it perfectly complements the richness of the meat.

Tips for Making the Perfect Zesty Basil Sauce:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil leaves and freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide the best flavor.

2. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to customize the sauce to suit your taste buds. Add more chili flakes for an extra kick or reduce the garlic if you prefer a milder flavor.

3. Blend it Well: Blend the sauce until smooth to ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Conclusion

Indulge in the flavors of this Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce recipe. Let your slow cooker do the work as it transforms the pork shoulder into a tender and succulent masterpiece. The zesty basil sauce adds a burst of freshness and tang to every bite. Get ready to savor a dish that will leave you wanting more!

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute dried basil if it's all you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the quantity as dried basil has a more concentrated flavor.

. Can I use a different cut of pork?

While pork shoulder is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts such as pork tenderloin or pork butt. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Although a slow cooker yields the best results, you can still make this recipe in a Dutch oven or a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simply cook it on low heat for several hours until the pork is tender.

. How long should I cook the pork shoulder?

The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork shoulder and the settings of your slow cooker. As a general guideline, cook it on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.

. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This recipe yields a generous portion, so if you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

. Can I use this recipe for other meats?

While this recipe is specifically designed for pork shoulder, you can certainly experiment with other meats such as chicken or beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

. Can I make the zesty basil sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The zesty basil sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure all the flavors are well incorporated.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More dinner

See all →