A key point to remember when cooking shoulder roast is that it contains a lot of connective tissue, which can benefit from slow cooking at a low temperature. This beef cut should be cooked with liquid to prevent it from being tough and stringy. Three cooking options are available which include stove top simmering, crock pot cooking and oven roasting. Regardless of which method you choose, the result will be a savory dish to feature in a family dinner.
Stove Top Method
Add a little cooking oil to a dutch oven and preheat to medium temperature. Sprinkle salt on the meat and place it in the hot pot. Brown on all sides.
Add a sliced onion and several peeled garlic cloves to the pot and stir. For a 3 to 4 lb. roast, add 1 cup liquid. The liquid may be beef broth, water or apple cider. For extra flavor, add seasonings and spices such as thyme, pepper and bay leaf.
Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Turn the meat to the other side every half hour. Cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Add chopped vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and turnips and cook an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
Crock Pot Method
Add a little cooking oil to a dutch oven and preheat to medium temperature. Sprinkle salt on the meat and place it in the hot pot. Brown on all sides.
Add a sliced onion and several peeled garlic cloves to the pot and stir. For a 3 to 4 lb. roast, add 1/2 to 1 cup liquid. The liquid may be beef broth, water or apple cider. For extra flavor you may add seasonings and spices such as thyme, pepper and bay leaf.
Transfer the roast to the crock pot. Add chopped potatoes and carrots. Pour other ingredients over it. Cook on low heat for eight to 10 hours.
Oven Roasting
Add a little cooking oil to a dutch oven and preheat to medium temperature. Sprinkle salt on the meat and place it in the hot pot. Brown on all sides.
Add a sliced onion and several peeled garlic cloves to the pot and stir. For a 3 to 4 lb. roast, add 1 cup liquid. The liquid may be beef broth, water or apple cider. For extra flavor you may add seasonings and spices such as thyme, pepper and bay leaf.
Add chopped potatoes and carrots. Put the pot into an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees. Cook 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Tip
You may substitute red wine for the liquid ingredient, or use a packet of onion soup mix in place of the onion. Some cooks like to add mushrooms or cream of mushroom soup. Different herbs can add an interesting flavor, such as marjoram and oregano.
References
Writer Bio
Mary West is a former occupational therapist who began writing in 2009 when she authored the eBook, "Fight Cancer Through Powerful Natural Strategies." She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in pharmacy and occupational therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.