Honey-Glazed Roasted Pork: A Tender and Flavorful Delight

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully roasted pork shoulder with a sticky, caramelized glaze that locks in moisture and enhances its natural flavors. This honey-glazed roasted pork is a showstopper—perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weekend feasts. The slow roasting process ensures the meat is incredibly tender, while the glaze adds a sweet-savory depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a dish that impresses with both taste and presentation, this recipe is the perfect choice.

 

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3.5 hours
• Resting Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1 (4–5 lb) pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

 

Instructions

1. Preparing the Pork

1. Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of fat in a crisscross pattern—this helps the seasoning penetrate and allows the glaze to stick better.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
4. Rub the pork all over with olive oil, then generously coat it with the spice mix, ensuring it covers all sides.

2. Roasting the Pork

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the pork on a roasting rack inside a baking dish or a lined roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, placing the pork on a bed of sliced onions or carrots works well.
3. Cover the pork loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 2.5 hours to allow it to cook gently.

3. Making the Honey Glaze

1. While the pork is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Applying the Glaze and Finishing the Roast

1. After the initial 2.5 hours of roasting, remove the pork from the oven and uncover it.
2. Brush the pork generously with the honey glaze, making sure to coat all exposed surfaces.
3. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the pork to the oven, uncovered, for 30–40 minutes.
4. Every 10–15 minutes, reapply the glaze for a rich, caramelized crust.

5. Resting and Serving

1. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) (for fall-apart tenderness), remove it from the oven.
2. Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist texture.
3. Slice and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of warm dinner rolls.

Additional Tips

• Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours, then finish it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes with the glaze.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C), covered, for 15 minutes to retain moisture.

 

This honey-glazed roasted pork is a mouthwatering dish that combines deep savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. The slow roasting ensures juicy, tender meat, while the glaze adds a beautifully sticky and caramelized finish. Whether served for a special occasion or a comforting family meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!