Dairy Free Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Crackling

A bone-in pork shoulder roasted low and slow until the meat is fall-apart tender, then blasted with high heat to produce a deeply blistered, puffed crackling — this is the kind of centerpiece that makes a table go quiet. The spice paste of turmeric, smoked paprika, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and lemon juice gets rubbed directly onto the meat beneath the skin, so every slice is packed with warm, layered flavor. Because the entire recipe relies on olive oil rather than butter or any dairy-based fat, it's naturally free from milk and cream without any substitutions or compromises. The overnight dry-brine step is the real secret here — salting the scored skin and letting it rest uncovered in the fridge draws out moisture so the crackling blisters and shatters the way it should, not steams. Keeping the spice paste away from the skin during prep is a small but important detail that the instructions walk you through clearly, making the technique approachable even if you've never attempted crackling before. A squeeze of lemon and a few rosemary sprigs at the table keep things bright against all that richness. This is slow-cook confidence food at its best.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →