pork shoulder.
Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or pork shoulder, is a cut of meat from the upper portion of a pig’s front shoulder. It’s a relatively inexpensive and forgiving hunk of meat that you’ll most often see served as pulled pork in barbecue restaurants.
Which cut of meat do you use for pulled pork?
pork shoulder
Trim fat: To make pulled pork you will want to buy a pork shoulder (sometimes called pork butt or Boston butt) roast. I prefer boneless, but you could buy bone-in. Trim pork of excess fat and cut it into 4 pieces.
Is pulled pork shoulder or butt better?
Since pork butt has more fat marbling throughout the meat and a more uniform shape, it’s the best cut for stewing and braising as well as for making fall-apart-tender pulled pork for a barbecue or for tacos. If a recipe calls for a choice between pork shoulder and pork butt, we highly recommend choosing pork butt.
Is pulled pork made from pork loin?
You can absolutely make pulled pork with a pork loin. (Keep in mind we aren’t talking about pork tenderloin. These cuts of pork are need different cooking times and are not interchangeable, read about the differences here.) Of course, it’s also very popular to use a pork shoulder roast or pork butt for pulled pork.
Are pork shoulder and pork butt the same?
Pork butt and pork shoulder both come from the shoulder of the pig. Pork butt (also called Boston Butt) comes from above the shoulder blades, while pork shoulder meat extends down to the pig’s front hoofs. Pork butt contains more fat and marbling, which makes it better suited to barbecue smoking.
What makes the best pulled pork?
When it comes to pulled pork, most experts agree that the pork butt, also known as the Boston butt, is the best choice due to its tenderness, texture, and flavor. If you can’t find a Boston butt, the picnic shoulder is the next best option.
What cut of pork is best for slow cooker pulled pork?
boneless pork shoulder
When it comes to making pulled pork, look for a boneless pork shoulder. Sometimes it’s also called a pork butt or Boston butt. You can find bone-in pork shoulders, though I prefer a boneless pork shoulder for more meat in my slow cooker.
How long do u cook pulled pork?
Total cooking time will be 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of pork and whether it’s bone-in (which takes longer to cook). The pork is done when it is fork-tender (when the meat can be easily pierced with a fork without resistance and easily falls apart with a little pressure).
How many pounds of pork do you need for pulled pork?
For pulled pork, the standard rule of thumb is one-third to one-half pound of meat per person. When cooked and shredded, a bone-in pork shoulder will lose around 40 percent of its weight. For example, a raw 10-pound pork shoulder (or two 5-pounders) will yield about 6 pounds of finished meat, serving 12 to 18 people.
What is pork shoulder called in grocery store?
Pork shoulder makes up the whole front leg and shoulder of a hog. If you are shopping at the neighborhood grocery store, you can expect to find pork shoulder divided into two cuts. These two halves are the pork butt and pork shoulder, also referred to as the “Boston roast” and the “picnic roast.”
Can you use pork loin instead of pork shoulder for pulled pork?
If you’re a big fan of pulled pork, pork shoulder is the cut for you. If you like your pork tender and juicy, turn to pork loin. When looking to roast a pork loin, buy bone-in, which helps to preserve the meat’s natural flavor.
Can I use pork leg for pulled pork?
What meat should you use for pulled pork? You want to use a pork joint to make pulled pork. Pork leg or pork shoulder joints are the most commonly used.
Can you turn roast pork into pulled pork?
Place the pork roast into the slow cooker, and cover with the sauce mixture. Cook on High for about 4 hours, turning 2 to 3 times during the cooking time to ensure even doneness. Start to encourage the pork to shred by pulling apart with 2 forks.
Can you use pork butt for pulled pork?
The classic cut to use for pulled pork is a pork shoulder, which you may also see named at the store as “pork butt” or “Boston butt.” I prefer a boneless roast that has been tied, but you could do a bone-in cut as well.
Why is my smoked pork shoulder tough?
If you don’t cook the connective tissue properly, it will be tough and rubbery. The connective tissue has to break down and literally melt away in the meat. This takes time. but when it’s done, the meat should fall apart by itself.
What is the secret to tender pulled pork?
Cooking the pork low and very slow is the secret to the juiciest and most tender pulled pork. Serve the pork as is or feel free to stir in your favorite barbecue or other sauces at the end of cooking.
Can you overcook pulled pork?
Can you overcook the pork? It’s hard to overcook the well-marbled and fatty shoulder cut. However, it can become mushy due to the acids in the sauce if the cooking continues too long beyond the recommended cook times. Make sure to keep an eye on the pork and take a bite for the best gauge of doneness.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
Best BBQ Sauce for Pulled Pork Reviews
- Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce.
- Guys Award Winning Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce.
- Lillies Q-Smoky BBQ Sauce.
- Hughes Sugar-Free Original Barbecue Sauce.
- Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce.
- Open Pit Original Barbecue Sauce.
- Bone Suckin Sauce Original Seasoning & Rub.
How much will 2 lbs of pulled pork feed?
RULE #1: One pound of cooked pulled pork is enough to feed three people. So try to work go by serving one-third of a pound per head. RULE #2: Raw pork usually results in half of its weight in cooked pulled pork. So for every one pound of raw pork, expect about half a pound of resulting pulled pork.
Is pulled pork healthy for you?
Potential Health Benefits of Pork
Pork is a rich source of certain vitamins and minerals your body needs to function, like iron and zinc. It’s also an excellent source of high-quality protein. Minimally processed, lean, fully-cooked pork eaten in moderation can provide certain benefits when added to your diet.
What goes well with pulled pork?
Wondering What to Serve with Pulled Pork? We Have 31 Tasty Ideas
- Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli.
- Slow-Cooker Baked Beans.
- Light and Tangy Coleslaw.
- Easy Pretzel Buns.
- Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad.
- Jalapeño-Avocado Mac and Cheese.
- Rainbow Vegetable Skewers.
- Yogurt Biscuits with Honey Butter.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.