As summer approaches, many of us start thinking about outdoor gatherings and picnic excursions. But what’s a picnic without some delicious and satisfying food to share with friends and family? That’s where this collection of 18 flavorful picnic shoulder recipes comes in! Whether you’re looking for classic BBQ flavors or international twists, we’ve got you covered.
From slow-cooked masterpieces to speedy weeknight meals, these recipes showcase the versatility and tenderness of pork shoulder. With a range of glazes, marinades, and seasonings to choose from, there’s something on this list that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering picnic shoulder recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for making your summer gatherings truly unforgettable. So grab a plate, get ready to grill (or slow cook), and let’s get started!
Slow-Cooked BBQ Picnic Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze
Elevate your next picnic or backyard gathering with this mouthwatering slow-cooked shoulder, smothered in a tangy apple cider glaze. This tender and flavorful dish is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the shoulder in the slow cooker and cook for 8 hours.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
6. After 8 hours, brush the glaze all over the pork shoulder and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Smoked Picnic Shoulder with Brown Sugar Rub
Smoked Picnic Shoulder with Brown Sugar Rub: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked pork shoulder with a sweet and savory brown sugar rub, perfect for a summer picnic or backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds picnic shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup beer (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the picnic shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the shoulder in the smoker, fat side up. Close the lid and smoke for 8-10 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. During the last hour of smoking, brush the shoulder with apple cider vinegar and beer (if using).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Garlic and Herb Roasted Picnic Shoulder
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering picnic shoulder recipe, infused with the savory flavors of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a stress-free gathering or outdoor adventure!
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound picnic shoulder
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the picnic shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the shoulder on a large baking sheet or roasting pan, skin side up (if it has skin).
5. Roast for 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Baste with lemon slices during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Picnic Shoulder Carnitas with Citrus Marinade
Elevate your outdoor gathering with these tender and flavorful carnitas, perfect for a picnic or potluck. This citrus-based marinade adds a bright and zesty twist to the traditional Mexican dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, boneless
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together citrus juices, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the pork shoulder to the marinade and coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the pork for about 2-3 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
7. Serve warm with your favorite picnic sides and condiments.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Honey Mustard Glazed Picnic Shoulder
A classic picnic shoulder recipe gets a sweet twist with this honey mustard glaze, perfect for a relaxing outdoor gathering or a quick weeknight dinner. With its tender meat and sticky glaze, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs picnic shoulder
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard.
3. Place the picnic shoulder in a large roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the honey mustard glaze all over the meat, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Spicy Korean-Style Braised Picnic Shoulder
A fusion of bold flavors, this spicy braise transforms picnic shoulder into a tender and aromatic masterpiece. Perfect for a chilly evening or a unique potluck contribution.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs picnic shoulder, bone-in
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
3. Add the picnic shoulder, making sure it’s coated with the marinade.
4. Pour in the beef broth and water, ensuring the meat is covered.
5. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
7. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Picnic Shoulder Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate your picnic game with these tender and flavorful shoulder steaks served with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a sunny day in the park or a backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork shoulder steaks (about 1 inch thick)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork shoulder steaks.
4. Grill steaks for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix together red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
6. Serve grilled steak with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cider-Braised Picnic Shoulder with Root Vegetables
A hearty, comforting dish perfect for a cozy evening or outdoor gathering, this recipe combines the rich flavor of pork shoulder with the sweetness of apple cider and the earthiness of root vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 lbs picnic shoulder
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine the picnic shoulder, apple cider, brown sugar, onion, garlic, carrots, and parsnips.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the pot and braise in the preheated oven for 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Picnic Shoulder
Perfect for a stress-free outdoor gathering, this sweet and sticky glaze elevates the humble picnic shoulder to new heights. A symphony of flavors, with notes of maple, bourbon, and spices, makes this dish sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds picnic shoulder
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Place picnic shoulder in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan; spoon glaze over the meat, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Picnic Shoulder Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw
Perfect for a casual outdoor gathering or a family picnic, these tender and flavorful sandwiches are paired with a tangy pickled slaw that adds a burst of freshness.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pickled Slaw ingredients (below)
Pickled Slaw:
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and parsley. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the pork slices.
3. Grill the pork for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing thinly.
4. Assemble sandwiches by placing sliced pork onto buns. Top with pickled slaw and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Picnic Shoulder Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Get ready for a flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional tacos! This recipe combines the tender, fall-apart texture of slow-cooked pork shoulder with the sweetness of pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Pineapple Salsa (see below)
Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, then place it in a slow cooker or Dutch oven with lime juice and water.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
5. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by shredding the pork shoulder and serving with Pineapple Salsa, cilantro, and your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Picnic Shoulder Ramen with Soft-Boiled Eggs
This hearty ramen recipe is perfect for a picnic or casual gathering. Rich and savory, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of Picnic Shoulder Ramen noodles
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms)
– 4 soft-boiled eggs, sliced
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the cooked noodles and stir to combine.
6. Top with sliced soft-boiled eggs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Picnic Shoulder Hash with Crispy Potatoes
This hearty dish combines tender pulled pork shoulder with crispy potatoes, perfect for a casual outdoor gathering or cozy night in. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add pulled pork shoulder and stir to combine with onion mixture.
5. Spread potatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
7. Serve picnic shoulder hash over crispy potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: approximately 35-40 minutes
Picnic Shoulder Chili with Black Beans
This hearty chili recipe is perfect for a picnic or a cozy night in. With tender shoulder chunks, rich flavors, and the added bonus of protein-rich black beans, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add shoulder cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Stir in chili powder, then add black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 1 hour, or until shoulder is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Picnic Shoulder Banh Mi with Sriracha Mayo
Elevate your picnic game with this delicious fusion of Vietnamese and American flavors. Slow-cooked shoulder meat, crispy pickled vegetables, and creamy Sriracha mayo come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup pickled carrots and daikon
– 4 Banh Mi buns
– Sriracha mayo (store-bought or homemade)
– Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). In a large Dutch oven, combine pork shoulder, brown sugar, fish sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cover and slow-cook for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
2. Meanwhile, toast Banh Mi buns according to package instructions.
3. Assemble sandwiches by slicing the cooked pork into thin strips, placing on toasted buns with pickled carrots and daikon, and finishing with a dollop of Sriracha mayo.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (slow-cooking) + 10 minutes (assembling sandwiches)
Picnic Shoulder Stir-Fry with Ginger and Scallions
This hearty stir-fry is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender picnic shoulder, crunchy scallions, and the warmth of ginger. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb picnic shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 cup scallions, thinly sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add picnic shoulder strips; cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
4. Add scallions; stir-fry for 1 minute until tender.
5. Season with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using); stir to combine.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Picnic Shoulder and White Bean Stew
A hearty, comforting stew that’s perfect for a picnic or a cozy evening at home. This recipe combines tender shoulder meat with creamy white beans and a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the shoulder over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic, beef broth, water, tomato paste, and oregano. Stir to combine.
6. Return the shoulder to the pot and bring to a simmer.
7. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until tender.
8. Remove from heat and stir in white beans. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Picnic Shoulder Sliders with Caramelized Onions
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these tender, flavorful sliders that are perfect for a picnic or casual gathering. Slow-cooked shoulder meat is paired with sweet and savory caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine pork shoulder and sliced onions.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Assemble sliders by slicing the cooked pork into thin strips and placing them on the hamburger buns. Top with caramelized onions and optional toppings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8 hours (or up to 12 hours in a slow cooker)
Summary
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these 18 mouthwatering picnic shoulder recipes perfect for summer gatherings. From classic BBQ to international twists, there’s something for everyone. Try slow-cooked BBQ with apple cider glaze, smoked with brown sugar rub, or roasted with garlic and herbs. Or go bold with spicy Korean-style braising or honey mustard glazing. And don’t forget the sandwiches, tacos, and sliders – all featuring picnic shoulder as the star of the show.
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