how long and what temp to bake pork shoulder roast
The baking time and temperature for a pork shoulder roast can vary depending on the size of the roast and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
Temperature:
The recommended internal temperature for cooked pork is at least 145°F (63°C). To ensure food safety, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Baking Time and Temperature:
- For a boneless pork shoulder roast:
- Small (2-3 pounds): 300°F (150°C) for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Medium (3-4 pounds): 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Large (4-5 pounds): 300°F (150°C) for 30-35 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- For a bone-in pork shoulder roast:
- Small (2-3 pounds): 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Medium (3-4 pounds): 300°F (150°C) for 30-35 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Large (4-5 pounds): 300°F (150°C) for 35-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Example Baking Times:
- A 2-pound boneless pork shoulder roast would take around 40-50 minutes to bake at 300°F (150°C).
- A 3-pound bone-in pork shoulder roast would take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to bake at 300°F (150°C).
Tips:
- Make sure to let the pork shoulder roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- You can also wrap the roast in foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to help retain moisture and promote even browning.
- If you prefer a crispy crust on your pork shoulder roast, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 20-30 minutes of baking.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.