Cooking time for a 7-pound pork shoulder can vary depending on the cooking method used and the temperature at which it's cooked. Pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat with a lot of connective tissue, so it requires slow and low cooking to become tender and flavorful. The two common methods for cooking pork shoulder are roasting and slow-cooking (braising).
- Oven Roasting: When oven roasting a 7-pound pork shoulder, you'll want to cook it at a low temperature, typically around 275°F (135°C). As a rough estimate, it can take approximately 6 to 7 hours to fully cook a 7-pound pork shoulder in the oven. However, the exact cooking time can vary based on factors such as the thickness of the meat, your oven's accuracy, and whether the pork shoulder is bone-in or boneless.
For best results, it's crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder. The pork shoulder is safe to consume when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F to 205°F (88°C to 96°C). At this temperature, the connective tissues will break down, and the meat will be tender and easy to shred.
- Slow-Cooking (Braising): If you choose to slow-cook the pork shoulder in a crockpot or slow cooker, the cooking time will be longer but more hands-off. Set your slow cooker to low heat, and it may take approximately 8 to 10 hours to cook a 7-pound pork shoulder until it's tender and fully cooked.
Again, it's essential to use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the pork shoulder has reached the desired range for tenderness and safety.
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary, so it's always best to rely on the internal temperature of the pork shoulder rather than the cooking time alone. When the meat is tender and reaches the correct temperature, it's ready to be enjoyed.