Ina Garten’s Fragrant Spice-Infused Slow Roasted Pork Recipe

Succulent, aromatic pork that melts in your mouth begins with Ina Garten’s slow roasted spiced pork technique.

The kitchen fills with rich, warming scents as this dish slowly develops its deep flavors.

Robust spices dance across tender meat, creating a culinary experience that speaks to comfort and elegance.

Each slice promises a journey through perfectly balanced seasonings and mouthwatering texture.

Weekend dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Tender, fall-apart meat awaits you, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe turns an ordinary evening into a memorable dining celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Pork Shoulder: Rich, marbled cut perfect for slow roasting, choose a piece with good fat content for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances meat's natural flavors and helps create a delicious crust during roasting.

• Garlic: Adds deep, pungent base notes that infuse the entire dish with aromatic warmth.
• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and foundational depth to the spice mixture.
• Jalapeño: Introduces a gentle heat and vibrant green pepper complexity.
• Dried Oregano: Brings earthy, Mediterranean herbaceous undertones to the spice blend.
• Ground Cumin: Delivers warm, smoky notes characteristic of Latin-inspired cuisine.
• Chile Powder: Contributes robust, smoky heat that penetrates the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming spiciness that complements the other seasonings.

• White Wine: Creates moisture during roasting and helps tenderize the meat.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind spices and ensures even coating on the pork.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps break down meat fibers.
• Fresh Lime: Offers bright, citrusy finish to cut through the rich meat flavors.

Kitchen Gear for Ina’s Spiced Pork Dish

• Food Processor: Perfect for blending all marinade ingredients into a smooth, flavorful paste.
• Roasting Pan: Large, deep pan to hold the pork and wine while roasting.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for scoring fat and making precise cuts on the pork.
• Oven Thermometer: Ensures accurate oven temperature for perfect slow roasting.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients and slicing pork.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial for covering the roasting pan and keeping moisture locked in.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure wine and ingredients.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and moving the pork during cooking.

Slow Roasting Pork – Ina Garten’s Way

Spicy Pork Sensation

• Kitchen Preparation Gather all your cooking tools and create a welcoming workspace with plenty of room for culinary magic.
• Meat Transformation Score the pork's fatty layer with elegant crosshatch patterns and create small strategic cuts to help seasonings penetrate deeply.
• Flavor Explosion Craft a zesty marinade by blending aromatic herbs, spicy peppers, and robust spices into a vibrant paste that will awaken taste buds.
• Roasting Adventure Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan, generously pour wine around the meat, and cover completely with foil for a slow, tender cooking process.
• Temperature and Time Roast at a low temperature, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with rich, complex flavors, periodically adding wine to maintain moisture.
• Resting and Serving Let the pork rest after cooking, slice with care, and garnish with fresh lime to brighten the deep, warm flavors of this incredible dish.

Tips for Juicy Pork with a Spice Kick

• Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, coriander, or dried thyme to create your unique flavor profile.
• Transform this recipe by using a slow cooker, cooking on low for 8-10 hours for equally tender and succulent meat.
• Shred remaining pork for tacos, sandwiches, or pulled pork nachos to extend the meal's versatility and reduce food waste.
• Select full-bodied red wines like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, spicy pork and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Prepare the spice paste and score the pork a day in advance, storing in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more intense flavors before roasting.

Serving Spiced Pork by Ina Garten

• Serve with Zesty Accompaniments: Create a vibrant plate by adding fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for bright, tangy flavors that complement the rich, slow-roasted pork.
• Craft a Hearty Meal Ensemble: Pair the tender pork with warm corn tortillas, Mexican-style rice, and a crisp cabbage slaw to transform the dish into a complete, satisfying dinner.
• Elevate with Fresh Sides: Prepare a quick salsa verde or fresh pico de gallo to add a burst of freshness and cut through the meat's richness, creating a balanced and exciting flavor profile.

Storage Plan for Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Refrigerate Leftovers Smartly: Store sliced pork in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bags, lasting up to 3 months without losing tenderness.
• Reheat with Care: Warm slices gently in a covered skillet with a splash of wine or broth to maintain juiciness and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Transform leftover pork into tacos, sandwiches, or salad toppers for quick and delicious next-day lunches.

Tender Spiced Pork Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s slow-roasted spiced pork brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with complex, aromatic layers. Tender meat and fragrant spices invite diners to savor each richly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (7- to 9-lb) bone-in pork butt with a layer of fat on top
• ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1 ½ tbsps ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsps chipotle chile powder
• 1 (750 ml/25.4 fl oz) bottle dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, ribs removed, seeded, and chopped
• 1 ½ tbsps apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), using an oven thermometer for precision. Create a crosshatch pattern on the pork’s fat layer with 12 strategic incisions to enhance flavor absorption and fat rendering.
2. Spice Blend: Pulse garlic, onion, jalapeño, and oregano in a food processor. Add cumin, chile powder, salt, black pepper, vinegar, and olive oil, blending into a vibrant, aromatic paste that will infuse the meat with complex flavors.
3. Seasoning and Roasting Setup: Massage the spice mixture thoroughly into every surface of the pork. Position the meat fat-side up in a roasting pan, pour wine into the base, and completely seal with aluminum foil for an initial slow-roasting phase.
4. Cooking Process: Slow-roast the covered pork for 2½ hours, then uncover and continue roasting for an additional 4 to 4½ hours. Periodically replenish the liquid with wine to maintain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
5. Finishing and Serving: Remove pork from the oven and tent with fresh foil, allowing the meat to rest for 15-30 minutes. Slice against the grain, sprinkle with a final touch of salt, and serve with zesty lime wedges to brighten the rich, tender meat.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use an oven thermometer to ensure exact 300°F temperature for consistent, perfect roasting results.
• Flavor Maximization: Create a crosshatch pattern on fat layer with 12 precise cuts to enhance spice penetration and improve meat texture.
• Moisture Magic: Regularly add wine during roasting to prevent drying and create a rich, succulent final dish.
• Resting Ritual: Allow pork to rest 15-30 minutes after cooking, tented with foil, to let juices redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg