Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Zesty Basil Sauce

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder rubbed with a flavorful mixture of garlic, mustard, and herbs, served with a bright and zesty basil sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish combines classic comfort food with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

8 servings
8 hr 55 min

Ingredients

  • 8 cloves garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons oregano leaves
  • teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 6 pounds pork shoulder roast
  • 1 large shallot
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • cups extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup oregano leaves
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 piece slow cooker

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook the pork: Mix garlic, oil, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika in a small bowl to form a paste. Rub all over pork, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag or slow cooker insert and chill overnight.

    30 min

  2. 2.

    Place pork in slow cooker, cover, and cook on low until meat is fork-tender but not yet completely falling apart, 7 1/2-8 hours.

    480 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, make the sauce: Mix shallot, basil, oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in an airtight container. Cover and let rest up to 3 hours at temperature or up to 2 days in refrigerator. Stir in lemon juice just before using.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Slice and transfer to a platter. Drizzle with sauce and serve with additional sauce alongside.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Pork can be rubbed 2 days ahead; chill in an airtight container. Sauce, without lemon juice, can be made 2 days ahead; chill in an airtight container.