Indulge in this succulent Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling, featuring tender pork shoulder infused with garlic and thyme. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!
2 hrs 50 mins
Serves
8
Medium
British
Ingredients
- {'group': 'Main', 'item': '2.2-2.5kg boneless pork shoulder joint'}
- {'group': 'Seasoning', 'item': '2 garlic cloves, minced'}
- {'group': 'Seasoning', 'item': '1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme'}
- {'group': 'Seasoning', 'item': '1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley or ½ tsp dried parsley'}
- {'group': 'Seasoning', 'item': '¼ tsp ground black pepper'}
- {'group': 'Seasoning', 'item': '1 tbsp salt'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': 'Meat juices from roasted pork'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': '3 chicken stock cubes, crumbled'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': '720ml boiling water'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': '¼ tsp salt'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': '¼ tsp ground black pepper'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': '2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 5 tbsp cold water'}
- {'group': 'Gravy', 'item': '¼ tsp gravy browning (optional)'}
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F (171°C)).
- If the pork shoulder is rolled, unroll it and place it skin-side up on a tray.
- Score the fat in diagonal lines without cutting into the meat.
- Mix garlic, thyme, parsley, and black pepper, then rub this mixture onto the meat side of the pork.
Cooking
- Roll the pork back up, securing it with butcher's string, and rub salt all over the skin.
- Place the pork on a wire rack over a roasting tin and roast for 2½ hours.
- Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F (220°C)) and roast for an additional 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to crisp the skin.
- Transfer meat juices to a saucepan, add stock cubes, and boiling water.
- Bring to a boil, then whisk in the cornflour slurry until thickened.
- Add gravy browning if desired.
Plating & Serving
- Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Add any resting juices to the gravy and reheat.
- Serve the pork with the gravy, apple sauce, and your choice of vegetables.
Notes
For the best crackling, ensure the pork skin is dry before roasting. Use a good-quality pork shoulder for optimal flavour and texture.
Suggested Sides
apple sauce
roasted vegetables
Recipe Details
