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The Perfect Picnic Shoulder Oven Recipe

August 5, 2023
/ By Jane

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor celebrations, and there’s nothing quite like a picnic to bring everyone together. While sandwiches and salads are always popular, sometimes you want to switch things up and create a delicious, hearty main dish that will be the star of the show. That’s where a picnic shoulder comes in.

Picnic shoulder is a cut of pork that comes from the front leg of the pig. It’s a highly versatile cut that can be cooked using a variety of methods, including grilling, slow cooking, and roasting. In this article, we’ll share our favorite picnic shoulder oven recipe. You’ll learn the science behind the cooking, how to select and prepare your meat, tips for achieving the perfect flavor, and much more.

Selecting the Perfect Picnic Shoulder

Before you start cooking, you need to make sure you have a high-quality piece of meat. Here are our tips for selecting the perfect picnic shoulder:

Choose bone-in meat: The bone adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist as it cooks.
Look for a well-marbled cut: Marbling refers to the fat that’s dispersed throughout the meat. More marbling means more flavor and tenderness.
Opt for a fresh cut: Make sure the meat is bright pink and doesn’t have a strong odor. If possible, look for a locally-sourced cut for the freshest flavor.

Preparing Your Meat

Once you’ve selected your meat, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here’s how:

Remove the packaging and pat the meat dry with paper towels.
Score the skin with a sharp knife in a cross-hatch pattern. This will help the fat render and create crispy, delicious skin.
Generously season the meat with salt and your favorite spice rub. We recommend a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Cooking Your Picnic Shoulder

Now it’s time to get cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

Super convection for fast cooking time & crispy air fried foods!

Dual temperature sensors to monitor both internal meat temperature & external temperature remotely!

A 5-7 pound picnic shoulder
Seasonings of your choice
A roasting pan with a rack
Aluminum foil
A meat thermometer

Follow these steps for perfect picnic shoulder every time:

Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the picnic shoulder on the roasting rack, skin side up.
Cover the shoulder loosely with aluminum foil and place in the oven.
Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F.
Roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.

Checking for Doneness

When cooking any meat, it’s important to check for doneness to make sure it’s safe to eat. Here’s how to check the temperature of your picnic shoulder:

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it doesn’t touch bone.
The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F, but for picnic shoulder, you want to cook it a little longer to ensure it’s tender and juicy. Aim for 190°F.
If the temperature hasn’t reached 190°F yet, return the meat to the oven and continue cooking, checking the temperature every 20 minutes.

Tips for the Best Flavor

While the cooking method is important, there are a few additional tips you can follow to ensure your picnic shoulder has the best flavor:

Let the meat rest: After cooking, let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before you carve it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier final product.
Make a sauce: While the meat is resting, you can make a sauce to serve with it. A simple pan sauce made by deglazing the roasting pan with white wine or broth and adding some fresh herbs and butter can really bring out the flavors.
Use leftovers wisely: If you have any leftovers, you can use them in a variety of ways. Shred the meat and use it in tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The skin also makes a great addition to soups and stews for added flavor.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe to create different flavors. Here are a few ideas:

Add some sweetness: For a sweeter flavor, try brushing the meat with a mixture of honey and mustard before roasting.
Go spicy: Add some heat by using a spice rub that includes cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or chili powder.
Try a different rub: Experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavors. A blend of coriander, cumin, and paprika would be delicious.
Cook it on the grill: If you have a grill, try cooking the picnic shoulder using indirect heat. This method will give it a slightly smoky flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is pretty foolproof, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking: Cooking the meat for too long can result in dry, tough meat.
Undercooking: Undercooked pork can be unsafe to eat.
Not letting it rest: Skipping the resting period can result in a dry final product.
Skimping on the seasoning: Pork can be bland if it’s not seasoned well. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the spices.

Recipe

Here’s a quick recap of the picnic shoulder oven recipe:

Ingredients

A 5-7 pound picnic shoulder
Seasonings of your choice
A roasting pan with a rack
Aluminum foil
A meat thermometer

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the picnic shoulder on the roasting rack, skin side up.
Cover the shoulder loosely with aluminum foil and place in the oven.
Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F.
Roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.

Conclusion

Now you know everything you need to know about cooking a delicious picnic shoulder in the oven. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family at your next picnic or barbecue. And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning and try different variations to create unique flavors. Happy cooking!

Sources

Pork shoulder picnic roast recipe in the oven – Best Cook Ideas

Easy Pork Picnic Shoulder Roast Recipe – Delishably

Pork Shoulder Picnic Roast Recipe [Crispy Skin & Slow Roasted] – Ruled Me

FAQS On Picnic Shoulder Oven Recipe

What Is A Picnic Shoulder?

A picnic shoulder, also known as a pork picnic or picnic ham, is a cut of pork taken from the lower part of a pig’s shoulder. It includes the arm bone and a portion of the shoulder blade bone. It is generally a tough and fatty cut of meat that requires slow cooking to achieve tenderness and develop its rich flavor.

How Do I Prepare The Picnic Shoulder Before Cooking?

Before cooking the picnic shoulder, it is recommended to remove the skin and excess fat. This can be easily done by using a sharp knife to carefully separate the skin from the meat, ensuring not to remove too much fat in the process. The skin can be discarded or used to make cracklings, while the excess fat can be trimmed off or left on depending on personal preference.

What Is The Best Way To Cook A Picnic Shoulder In The Oven?

The best way to cook a picnic shoulder in the oven is to slow roast it at a low temperature. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Season the shoulder with your choice of dry rub or marinade, ensuring to coat it thoroughly. Place the shoulder in a roasting pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Cook for approximately 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 185°F (85°C). This slow cooking process will help break down the tough fibers and render the fat, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.

Can I Add Any Additional Flavors To The Picnic Shoulder During Cooking?

Absolutely! Enhance the flavors of your picnic shoulder by adding additional ingredients to the roasting pan. You can surround the shoulder with sliced onions, garlic cloves, or herbs such as rosemary and thyme. These aromatics will infuse their flavors into the meat as it cooks, further enhancing its taste. Additionally, basting the shoulder occasionally with its juices or a flavorful liquid (such as apple cider or beer) can elevate the overall taste and ensure a moist final result.

How Do I Know When The Picnic Shoulder Is Done Cooking?

The best way to determine if your picnic shoulder is fully cooked is by checking its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for a picnic shoulder is around 185°F (85°C). Once the meat reaches this temperature, it should be tender and easy to shred. Another indicator is that the bone should separate easily from the meat. If you’re unsure, you can always cook it a little longer until desired tenderness is achieved. It is crucial to let the meat rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving or pulling it apart to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist final result.