Pork Shoulder Roast with Blueberry & Port Pan Sauce – No Pulling Required

Pork shoulder is a popular cut of meat, but it's almost always cooked until "fork tender,'" which to your average cook means falling apart. This is fine for pulled pork sandwiches, or many other amazing dishes, but sometimes I want something different. It's sort of like, I love braised short ribs, but sometimes I want roast beef.

Like I said in the video, most people go with pork loin when they want to do a roasted dish like this, but the lower cost shoulder makes a great alternative. The good news is that pork shoulder is much fattier, which makes for juicier, more flavorful meat. That's also the bad news.

Unlike the very user friendly pork loin, there will be larger veins of fat running through the roast. Big deal, I say. Nothing a steak knife can't solve, and meat you do liberate will be more than tender enough, as long as you pull it from the oven when the internal temp is about 145 degrees F.

By the way, I've given up trying to answer questions about replacing the wine and other booze in these recipes. Of course you can leave it out, and/or sub other things, but since I never do, I can't guide you very well. So, either start drinking, or start googling…and as always, enjoy!

Ingredients for about 4 large portions:

  • 2 1/2 to 3 pound boneless pork shoulder roast (aka pork butt)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • olive oil to sear meat
  • 1 large shallot cut in half
  • 3 springs rosemary
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2/3 cup port wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 or 3 tablespoons cold butter
  • -Roast at 325 F. until an internal temp of 145-150 F.
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