Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Tequila Citrus Sauce
Pork shoulder makes a wonderful roast because it has enough fat to keep it moist and tender during low and slow cooking. The citrus sauce has a smoky, agave sweetness from the tequila and produces a bright counterpoint to the unctuous meat. Serve any extra sauce for dipping. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019
Ingredients
Spice Rub & Pork
Sauce
Directions
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To prepare spice rub & pork: Combine sage, 2 tablespoons garlic, oil, thyme, lemon zest, salt, pepper and cumin in a small bowl. Place pork, fat-side up, in a baking pan and rub the spice mixture all over the top and sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
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When ready to roast the pork, position a rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 450 degrees F.
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Transfer the pork to a rack set in a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes.
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Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 170 degrees F for a tender but sliceable texture or 180 degrees F for a pull-apart texture, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
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Transfer the pork to a cutting board; loosely cover with foil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, to prepare sauce: Pour orange, lemon and lime juices into the roasting pan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until reduced to 2 cups, about 5 minutes. Stir in agave (or corn) syrup, tequila, fish sauce, garlic and hot sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits, until the sauce is the consistency of a light syrup but not thick enough to coat a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve (discard the solids).
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Thinly slice or shred the pork and drizzle the sauce over it. Garnish with cilantro.
Tips
To make ahead: Refrigerate pork (Step 1) overnight.
Nutrition Facts
2 1/2 medium-fat protein, 1/2 fat, 1/2 other carbohydrate