How To Cook A Smoked Pork Shoulder Picnic In The Oven

Learn the Art of Oven-Cooking a Flavorful Smoked Pork Shoulder Picnic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the mouthwatering goodness of a perfectly cooked smoked pork shoulder picnic. Traditionally prepared in a smoker, this delectable dish can also be cooked to perfection right in your own oven. With a few simple steps and a little bit of patience, you can savor the rich flavors and tender melt-in-your-mouth goodness without needing any special equipment. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible oven-cooked smoked pork shoulder picnic!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients to create a delicious smoked pork shoulder picnic:

• 4-5 pounds of pork shoulder picnic
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 cup of apple juice or cider
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare and Season the Pork Shoulder

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

1. Remove the pork shoulder picnic from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Rub the entire surface of the pork shoulder with olive oil, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Next, generously season the pork shoulder with your favorite dry rub seasoning. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.

Set the Stage for Deliciousness

Now that your pork shoulder is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to create the perfect environment for it to cook.

• In a large roasting pan, place the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic as a flavorful base.
• Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic, ensuring it is nestled comfortably.
• Pour the apple juice or cider into the roasting pan, ensuring it covers the bottom but doesn’t touch the pork directly.

Slow and Low Cooking

Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring there are no gaps for the heat and moisture to escape.

Place the covered roasting pan in the preheated oven and let the magic happen!

Slow-cook the pork shoulder in the oven for approximately 6-7 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

Finish with a Golden Crust

Once the internal temperature is reached, remove the aluminum foil from the roasting pan and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Return the uncovered pork shoulder to the oven and let it roast for an additional 30 minutes. This will help create a delicious golden crust on the outside.

Let it Rest and Enjoy!

Once the cooking is complete, remove the pork shoulder from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and succulent final product.

After the rest, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Slice or shred the pork shoulder, and serve it alongside your favorite sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or freshly baked rolls.

Now that you know the secret to oven-cooking a smoked pork shoulder picnic, you have the power to create a mouthwatering masterpiece right in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the tender, flavorful bliss that is a perfectly cooked smoked pork shoulder picnic!