Name: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Zesty Basil Sauce | Epicurious
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/4 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, finely chopped; 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 skinless, boneless pork shoulder roast, tied (Boston butt; about 6 pounds); 1 large shallot, finely chopped; 2 cups basil leaves, finely chopped; 1 1/4 cups extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup oregano leaves, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; A (4-quart) slow cooker

Slowcooked pork shoulder on a blue plate with a basil sauce.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Dawn Perry

This meltingly tender pork shoulder is the ultimate make-ahead dinner party main. A chimichurri-style fresh basil sauce balances the rich pork with bright zesty flavors.

Cooks' Note

Both the rub and the sauce can be made in a food processor if desired. To make the pork in the oven, cook at 300°F in a covered Dutch oven, basting occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of pork registers 145°F (meat will be very tender but not quite falling off the bone), 6–7 hours. If you’re using a larger slow cooker, flip roast at least once and baste occasionally to keep it moist.