Unbelievably Easy Crispy Pork Shoulder

This ‘paper pork’ was inspired by a technique for smoking beef brisket that involves wrapping the meat in parchment paper after a certain point in the cooking process, in an effort to keep the meat moist and succulent. I decided to try it for an oven-roasted pork shoulder, wrapping it from the beginning, and it came out so perfectly tender and juicy, I’ve been doing it that way ever since.

Recipe Details

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
12 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
12 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2tablespoonskosher salt

  • 1tablespoonfreshly ground black pepper

  • 1tablespoonsmoked paprika

  • 1tablespoonbrown sugar

  • 2teaspoonsonion powder

  • 1teaspoongarlic powder

  • 1teaspooncayenne pepper

  • 1(7 pound)pork shoulder roast

  • Unbleached parchment paper

  • Heavy duty aluminum foil

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).

  2. Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.

  3. Sprinkle rub mixture evenly and thoroughly on each surface of the pork roast, pressing it onto the surface.

  4. Cut a 4-foot piece of unbleached parchment. Place roast at one end and roll roast tightly in the parchment. Cut a second piece of parchment and roll the roast, positioning it in the opposite direction before rolling.

  5. Cut a long piece of heavy duty aluminum foil and tightly wrap the parchment-wrapped roast. Wrap the roast in a second piece of foil, and then a third, rotating the position of the roast each time. Place wrapped roast in a roasting pan with folded edges facing up to minimize leaking.

  6. Place in preheated oven and roast until tender, about 12 1/2 hours (or 1.75 hours per pound of pork).

  7. Remove pan from oven and allow the wrapped roast to rest at least 1 hour before unwrapping. Brush roast with accumulated juices in the parchment paper.

    Chef John

Nutrition Facts

Full Nutrition Label
Servings Per Recipe6
Calories696
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
50g
64%
Saturated Fat
18g
92%
Cholesterol
209mg
70%
Sodium
2080mg
90%
Total Carbohydrate
5g
2%
Dietary Fiber
1g
3%
Total Sugars
3g
Protein
54g
Vitamin C
3mg
13%
Calcium
68mg
5%
Iron
4mg
21%
Potassium
823mg
18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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