Imagine sinking your teeth into a melt-in-your-mouth piece of pork that’s been cooked to perfection, infused with smoky flavors and seasoned just right. Welcome to the world of Sous Vide Pork Shoulder, where patience meets culinary magic! This method transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a tender, flavorful masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're planning a weekend gathering or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is your ticket to impressing everyone at the table. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into the secrets of sous vide cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 24 hrs
Total Time: 24 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Remove pork shoulder from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the meat completely dry using paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on all surfaces.
- Fill a large sous vide container or pot with water. Attach the sous vide precision cooker and set temperature to 155°F (68°C) for tender, shreddable pork.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a large vacuum-seal or heavy-duty zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible to create a tight seal.
- Carefully lower the bagged pork shoulder into the preheated water bath, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Cook for 24 hours, maintaining a consistent water temperature. The long, slow cooking will break down connective tissues and create incredibly tender meat.
- After 24 hours, carefully remove the bag from the water bath. Gently take the pork shoulder out of the bag, reserving any accumulated cooking liquid.
- Optional: For additional texture, briefly sear the pork shoulder in a hot cast-iron skillet with a small amount of oil to create a crispy exterior.
- Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before pulling or shredding with two forks. Use the reserved cooking liquid to maintain moisture if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or in tacos and sandwiches.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Always remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
- Dry the Meat: Pat the pork shoulder completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. This allows the spice blend to adhere better and enhances the flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the spice mixture! Make sure to coat the entire surface of the pork shoulder evenly for the best flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Set your sous vide precision cooker to 155°F (68°C) for perfectly tender, shreddable pork. Adjusting the temperature slightly can yield different textures, so feel free to experiment!
- Vacuum Seal Properly: Use a vacuum-seal bag or a heavy-duty zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. This ensures the meat cooks evenly and prevents water from entering the bag.
- Sear for Texture: After cooking, consider searing the pork shoulder in a hot cast-iron skillet for a few minutes. This adds a delightful crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.
- Rest Before Shredding: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture, making it easier to pull apart and ensuring every bite is juicy.
- Utilize the Cooking Liquid: Don’t forget to save the cooking liquid! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to keep the shredded pork moist or as a base for sauces.
- Pair with Delicious Sides: Serve your sous vide pork shoulder with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or use it in tacos and sandwiches for a delightful meal that everyone will love.
- Plan Ahead: With a cook time of 24 hours, this recipe is perfect for those who like to plan their meals in advance. Set it up the night before and enjoy the delicious rewards the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
