Pork shoulder is a triangular cut from the area just above the front leg of the pig. It is a relatively inexpensive cut often sold with the skin on and a layer of fat. It is included in the picnic ham cut, which also has the leg bone. The shoulder is an area (unlike cuts from the interior of the pig, like the loin) that gets a lot of exercise when a pig is alive. As a result, it is flavorful but there is less fat marbling and the meat will be tough unless cooked correctly.
In this post we'll cover:
- 1 What to Do With Pork Shoulder
- 2 Where Can You Find Pork Shoulder?
- 3 Tenderize Your Pork Shoulder with a Slow Cook
- 4 What’s the Difference Between Pork Shoulder and Pork Butt?
- 5 What is Pork Shoulder?
- 6 Delicious Pork Shoulder Recipes for the Home Cook
- 7 Storing Pork Shoulder for Maximum Freshness
- 8 Where Does Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder Come From?
- 9 Differences
- 10 Conclusion
What to Do With Pork Shoulder
The Perfect Roast
If you’re looking for a roast that’ll make your taste buds sing, pork shoulder is the way to go! With its crackling-crisp skin, it’s the ideal cut for a roast that’ll have your family and friends drooling.
Low and Slow Cooking
Pork shoulder is the perfect cut for low and slow cooking. Whether you’re making carnitas, char siu, or a whole roast, it’s the ideal choice for a tender inside and a crisp outside.
Unique Meals
If you’re looking to switch up your dinner routine, pork shoulder is the way to go. Here are some unique recipes you can make with it:
- Pork strips for ramen or posole
- Filling for tacos or posole
- Pulled pork
- Pork crackling or skin
Where Can You Find Pork Shoulder?
Grocery Stores
Are you in the mood for some pork shoulder? Then head on over to your local grocery store! You’ll find it in the meat section, usually with a netting to keep it together. Boneless picnic shoulder usually weighs between 5 to 8 pounds, while a bone-in pork picnic cut can weigh 10 or more pounds.
Butcher Shops
If you’re looking for something a bit more special, why not check out your local butcher shop? They’ll be able to tell you exactly what kind of pork shoulder you’re getting, so you can be sure you’re getting the best of the best. Plus, you might even be able to find heritage breeds, which are sure to be extra flavorful!
Farmers’ Markets
Want to go the extra mile? Then check out your local farmers’ market! You’ll be able to find all sorts of pork shoulder, from heritage breeds to organic cuts. So if you’re looking for something special, this is the place to go!
Tenderize Your Pork Shoulder with a Slow Cook
The Best Cooking Methods
When it comes to pork shoulder, slow and steady wins the race. The best way to get that delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture is to braise or stew it. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also fry, bake, or grind it up.
Foolproof Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Recipe
If you’re going for the whole cut, make sure to take it out of the fridge and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t want the skin, go ahead and trim it off.
To braise or roast the pork shoulder, you’ll need to sear it in a frying pan or under the broiler. Then, place it in a covered pan with some liquid (apple juice, broth, or water) and cook it low and slow. You can do this in the oven or in a slow cooker.
Once the internal temperature reaches 145 F, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your pork shoulder:
- Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking
- Trim off the skin if you don’t want crackling
- Sear it in a frying pan or under the broiler
- Cook it low and slow in a covered pan with liquid
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145 F
- Let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing
What’s the Difference Between Pork Shoulder and Pork Butt?
Pork Shoulder
- Pork shoulder is the thinner, triangle-shaped end of the shoulder, making it great for cooking whole and slicing.
- It’s perfect for making dishes like pulled pork and other recipes that require the meat to fall apart easily.
- It’s also great for stewing and making chili.
Pork Butt
- Pork butt (or Boston butt) is the thicker, more marbled end of the shoulder.
- It’s ideal for dishes that require the meat to fall apart easily, thanks to its marbled fat streaks.
- It’s also great for stewing and making chili.
What is Pork Shoulder?
Pork shoulder is a cut of meat from the front leg of a pig, and it’s often sold with the skin and fat still attached. It’s a flavorful cut of meat, but it can be tough if not cooked properly.
What Makes Pork Shoulder Special?
Pork shoulder is special because it’s a cut of meat that gets a lot of exercise when the pig is alive. This means that the meat is flavorful, but there’s less fat marbling. So, if you want to get the most out of your pork shoulder, you’ll need to cook it the right way.
The 6 Best Wireless Grill Thermometers of 2023
Grilling pork shoulder can be tricky, but with the right thermometer, you can make sure it’s cooked to perfection every time. Here are the 6 best wireless grill thermometers of 2023 that will help you get the most out of your pork shoulder:
- The Maverick ET-732: This thermometer is a great choice for grilling pork shoulder, as it has a long range and can be used to monitor two different temperatures at once.
- The Weber iGrill 2: This thermometer is perfect for grilling pork shoulder, as it has a digital display that makes it easy to read the temperature.
- The ThermoPro TP20: This thermometer is great for grilling pork shoulder, as it has a wide temperature range and can be used to monitor four different temperatures at once.
- The Taylor Precision Products Digital Cooking Thermometer: This thermometer is ideal for grilling pork shoulder, as it has a large LCD display and can be used to monitor two different temperatures at once.
- The ThermoWorks Smoke: This thermometer is great for grilling pork shoulder, as it has a long range and can be used to monitor four different temperatures at once.
- The ThermoWorks ChefAlarm: This thermometer is perfect for grilling pork shoulder, as it has a loud alarm and can be used to monitor two different temperatures at once.
Delicious Pork Shoulder Recipes for the Home Cook
Cochinita Pibil
Ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico? This slow-cooked Cochinita Pibil is the perfect way to do it! All you need is a boneless pork shoulder, some time, and a few simple ingredients. In just 85 minutes, you’ll have a delicious 12-serving meal that will have your family asking for seconds.
Grill-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Broccolini and Applesauce
Fire up the grill and get ready for a delicious meal! This pork shoulder dish is the perfect way to get your family together for dinner. All you need is a boneless pork shoulder, some broccolini, applesauce, and a few other ingredients. In just two hours, you’ll have a delicious 8-serving meal that will have everyone licking their chops.
Michoacan-Style Pork Carnitas With Green Apple Slaw
Craving something a little different? This Michoacan-style pork carnitas dish is the perfect way to spice up your dinner. All you need is a boneless pork shoulder, some green apple slaw, and a few other ingredients. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious 8-serving meal that will have everyone asking for more.
Storing Pork Shoulder for Maximum Freshness
Refrigerator Storage
If you’re looking for a way to keep your pork shoulder fresh and delicious, the refrigerator is the way to go! Store your pork shoulder in the fridge and you’ll be able to enjoy it within two to three days.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you want to keep your pork shoulder around for longer, you can always freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it up tight in airtight wrapping and you can keep it in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, just pop it in the fridge and let it thaw for about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat.
The Perfect Pork Shoulder Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make the perfect pork shoulder, look no further! Here’s a simple recipe that will have your pork shoulder coming out juicy and delicious every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- Rub your pork shoulder with your favorite seasonings
- Place your pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover with foil
- Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork shoulder reaches 165°F
- Let the pork shoulder rest for 10-15 minutes before serving
Where Does Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder Come From?
Pork Butt
If you’re looking for the source of pork butt, you’ll have to go to the back of the pig’s head. That’s right, it’s right behind the pig’s noggin! It’s situated just above the shoulder blade, so you can’t miss it.
Pork butt is known for its unique flavor and texture, making it the perfect choice for barbecues and other delicious dishes.
Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder, also known as picnic shoulder, is located right below the pork butt and runs down towards the front hoof. It’s got a totally different taste and texture than pork butt, so it’s best used in different recipes.
Here are some of the best uses for pork shoulder:
- Perfect for slow-cooking and braising
- Ideal for pulled pork sandwiches
- Delicious when used to make tacos
- Great for making stews and soups
No matter which cut of pork you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious meal!
Differences
Pork Shoulder Vs Pork Loin
Pork loin is the crème de la crème of pork cuts, with its lean and tender texture. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a leaner cut of meat. On the other hand, pork shoulder is a tougher cut with more fat, making it a great option for those who want a juicier, more flavorful dish. It’s also ideal for slow-cooking, as the fat helps keep the meat moist and tender. So, if you’re looking for a lean cut of pork, go with pork loin; if you’re looking for something juicy and flavorful, pork shoulder is the way to go.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, pork shoulder is the way to go! It’s a great cut of meat that’s perfect for slow-cooking, so you can just set it and forget it. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Just remember to not confuse it with pork butt, which is a different cut of meat. So, don’t be afraid to give pork shoulder a try – you’ll be glad you did! And don’t forget the golden rule: “Pork shoulder, not pork BUTT!”
