Pork Shoulder

Sus scrofa domesticus Meat

Pork Shoulder Meat

At a Glance

  • Category Meat

The Forktionary Angle

"Also known as Boston Butt in the US, despite coming from the shoulder, a name derived from colonial barrel packaging."

Definition

A cut of pork from the shoulder of the pig, commonly used for slow-cooking methods like roasting, braising, or making pulled pork.

Collagen Content High (breaks down into gelatin)
Ideal Cooking Method Slow-Roasting/Braising
Protein per 100g ~26g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pork Shoulder are:

Rich Savory Umami Fatty

Chef’s Secret

Score the fat cap deeply before roasting to render fat better and achieve crispy skin, enhancing flavor and texture.

Best Substitutes

Pork Leg

less fat, adjust cooking

Beef Chuck

different flavor profile
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for good marbling, a deep pink color, and choose bone-in for more flavor and moisture.

Recipes Using Pork Shoulder

Barbecue Main Ingredient Grilling Course

A R Bbq Pork Shoulder Sandwich

Experience the legendary Memphis BBQ taste with this recipe inspired by A&R BBQ on Elvis Presley Blvd! This mouthwatering pork shoulder sandwich is incredibly tender and succulent, featuring slow-smoked pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and crisp coleslaw. The secret? It's all about the cut of meat, the heat of the coals, and a truly exceptional BBQ sauce. Get ready for a finger-licking good experience! Perfect with a cold lager.

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Course Preparation Time To Make Main Dish

Bbq Pork Shoulder

Experience the legendary taste of Kansas City BBQ with this mouthwatering pork shoulder recipe! Slow-cooked to perfection, this fall-apart tender masterpiece boasts an unforgettable smoky flavor. Plan ahead for a 16-hour cooking journey (plus overnight marinades!), but trust us – the incredible results are worth every minute. Prepare for rave reviews! This recipe delivers an authentic Kansas City BBQ experience you won't soon forget. Impress your friends and family with this showstopper.

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Vegetables Course Lunch Occasion

Belgian Hutsepot

Experience the authentic flavors of Flanders with this decadent Belgian Hutsepot! This slow-cooked stew, similar to French Pot au Feu but with a delightful pea soup starter, features tender beef, pork, and root vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Impress your guests with this heartwarming masterpiece, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Learn how to make this traditional Flemish classic with our easy-to-follow recipe.

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Meat Course Preparation Time To Make

Be Celeng Base Manis Pork In Soy Sauce

Indulge in this authentic Balinese Be Celeng Base Manis recipe! Tender pork is braised to perfection in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce made with aromatic shallots, garlic, and flavorful ketjap manis (sweet soy sauce). This 80-minute masterpiece is a culinary journey to the heart of Bali. Easy to follow instructions for unforgettable results.

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Pork American

Bbq Pork For Sandwiches

Get ready to devour the most incredible BBQ pork sandwiches! This recipe, inspired by a 5-star recipe with 336 rave reviews, delivers juicy, tender pork drenched in your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a weekend BBQ, these sandwiches are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Use your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's is a great option!) and serve on oversized buns for a truly satisfying meal.

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Occasion Occasion Preparation Main Dish

Bavarian Pork Roast

Indulge in this mouthwatering Bavarian Pork Roast, a caraway-infused masterpiece slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! Served with a creamy, tangy sour cream gravy and perfectly complementing Bavarian-style sauerkraut (recipe not included), this easy supper is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Tender, flavorful pork awaits!

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Low In Something Dietary Low Sodium Low In Something

4 Hour Milk Braised Pork

Experience melt-in-your-mouth perfection with this incredible 4-hour milk-braised pork shoulder recipe! Inspired by Canadian chef Ricardo's cookbook, this recipe delivers fall-apart tender pork infused with a rich, creamy milk sauce. The beautiful photos in the cookbook don't lie—this dish is as stunning as it is delicious. Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and your favorite green vegetable for a truly unforgettable meal.

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Easy Dietary 5 Ingredients Or Less Sandwiches

Bbq Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Get ready to dive into the most tender, flavorful BBQ pulled pork sandwiches you've ever tasted! This recipe uses a slow-cooker method to create melt-in-your-mouth pork, perfectly complemented by your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's or Jack Daniel's are highly recommended!). The rich, smoky pulled pork is piled high on soft hamburger buns and topped with our creamy, sweet coleslaw (recipe #100526) for the ultimate comfort food experience. Prepare for leftovers – this recipe is dangerously delicious!

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Course Course Dietary Main Ingredient

Amarillo Chili

Dive into a fiery bowl of Amarillo Chili! This hearty recipe, simmered for over 2 hours, delivers a rich, smoky flavor with tender chunks of pork and beef. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings, our Amarillo Chili is a crowd-pleaser you won't want to miss. Get the recipe now!

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Main Ingredient Cuisine North American Taste Mood

Authentic Mexican Pork Chile Verde

Experience the explosion of flavors in this authentic Mexican Pork Chile Verde! This recipe delivers fall-apart tender pork simmered in a vibrant, spicy tomatillo sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, your taste buds will thank you.

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European Meat European Main Ingredient

Authentic Pork Souvlaki

Unlock the secrets to authentic Greek pork souvlaki! This recipe delivers the closest you'll get to a taste of Greece, using a marinade that will have your family begging for more. Tender, juicy pork skewers grilled to perfection – it's unbelievably delicious. Even better? This recipe also works beautifully with chicken, and you can enjoy it in under 3 hours if you're short on time! Get ready for a flavor explosion.

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Preparation Course Holiday Event 4 Hours Or Less

Authentic Mexican Pozole

Craving a heartwarming and flavorful Mexican feast? This Authentic Mexican Pozole recipe, passed down from a friend in Mexico, is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Unlike traditional menudo, this pozole is free of tripe and pig's feet, making it enjoyable for all palates. This rich and delicious soup is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors and is incredibly easy to make. Prepare to be amazed by its depth of flavor and the vibrant colors! Don't forget to customize your bowl with fresh garnishes and a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch!

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Course Course Vegetables Pork

Apple Cider Pork Stew

A heartwarming and flavorful Apple Cider Pork Stew, adapted for stovetop cooking! This recipe, inspired by the March 2005 'Our State' magazine, delivers tender pork, sweet apples, and aromatic spices in a rich, comforting stew. Perfect for a cozy night in – no slow cooker required!

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Dinner Party Dinner Party Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course

Barbecued Pork Sandwiches Crockpot

Fall-apart tender, juicy pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! This crowd-pleasing recipe, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens, is perfect for sandwiches on hard rolls or French bread. Make a big batch for easy weeknight meals, lunches, or freezer storage. Learn my secret for super-fast shredding using a KitchenAid stand mixer!

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Meat Pork Meat Main Ingredient

Asian Inspired Pulled Pork Shoulder For Tacos Or Sliders

Craving incredible, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork? This slow cooker recipe delivers Asian-fusion flavor in a fraction of the time! Inspired by classic char siu, but with a unique twist, this recipe transforms a pork shoulder into tender, juicy perfection. Perfect for tacos, sliders, or enjoying on its own! Easy, delicious, and ready in just under 8 hours.

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Main Ingredient European Preparation Pork

Ale D Pork And Sauerkraut

Tender, fall-apart pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection in a rich ale-braised sauerkraut. This easy 1-pot wonder from our simple slow cooker cookbook is bursting with savory flavor and requires minimal effort for maximum deliciousness! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Course Main Ingredient Occasion Preparation

Authentic Carnitas

Experience the authentic taste of Mexican Carnitas! This recipe delivers incredibly tender and juicy pork on the inside with perfectly crispy edges. 'Carnitas,' meaning 'little meats' in Spanish, is traditionally slow-cooked then crisped to perfection. Enjoy it as a succulent main course smothered in green chili, piled high in tacos, or rolled into crispy flautas. This tried-and-true recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

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