What should I make for dinner tonight? This might just be the number one question that we ask ourselves almost daily over here.
Then you have come to the right place, we have rounded up 21 pork shoulder pieces recipes that we have shared over the years.
Plus, there is such a variety of flavours in these recipes, so you are sure to find something for you. Most of these recipes are quick and easy ones made especially for busy weeknights.
21 Pork Shoulder Pieces Recipes
Brown Sugar Garlic Butter Pork Roast
Succulent Braised Pork
Pork Carnitas Recipe
Mexican Slow Roasted Pork
Juicy Pork Shoulder Steak (Grilled or Stove Top)
How To Cook (and Shred) a Pork Shoulder for Pulled Pork
How To Cook Pork Shoulder Steak
Pan-Fried Pork Shoulder Steak
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork
Easy Oven Carnitas
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Carrots, Onions, and Garlic
Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder
Fall-Apart Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard and Garlic
Braised Pork Shoulder
Instant Pot Pork Shoulder
Crispy Pork Carnitas Recipe
What is pork shoulder best for?
It’s a versatile and economical cut that takes deliciously to roasting, braising, stewing, and slow cooking. Low, moist heat turns the meat so tender and succulent, it just falls away from the bone and practically melts in the mouth. In the U.S., pork shoulder is the perfect pick for pulled pork.
Is pork shoulder the same as pork shoulder?
The National Pork Board calls it “the top portion of the front leg of the hog.” It’s typically broken down into two cuts: the top, or blade shoulder (aka Boston butt), and the lower arm shoulder (aka pork shoulder or picnic roast).
Can you cut up pork shoulder before cooking?
Yes. In fact, it’s a good idea to do so if you don’t have time to cook off a larger cut, if your smoker is too small to accommodate it, or if you just don’t need that much product. Cutting the pork shoulder in half is also a nice way to get more bark on the meat.
What is pork shoulder roast used for?
Part of the versatility that comes with pork shoulder is the form in which you choose to cook it. This cut can be cooked whole, as with a slow-cooked pork roast; cut into large chunks, for making pulled meat; prepped and cooked as smaller chunks, for stews and chili; or even ground for meatballs and patties.
Why is my 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.
How long does a pork shoulder take to cook?
Set the meat on a rack set into a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 325 degrees F. Continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the shoulder reads 185 degrees F, about 4 hours. Remove the pork from the oven and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes.
What is the difference between a pork shoulder and a picnic roast?
The shoulder or picnic shoulder as it’s sometimes called is located directly below the butt on the leg of the pig and runs down to just above the pig’s front hoof, or hock.
| Pork Butt | Pork Shoulder | |
|---|---|---|
| Common names | Boston butt | Picnic shoulder, Picnic roast |
What is the difference between pork shoulder and pork picnic?
So what’s the difference between picnic shoulder and pork shoulder? In short, not much. They are theoretically the same, with slight variations in how they are cut in different parts of the country. One can be substituted for the other in recipes without worry.
Can you slice pork shoulder?
Sliced smoked pork shoulder
In order to be able to slice it, the pork butt must be deboned, and the raggedy, floppy result of that deboning is then tied to create a uniform, tightly packed piece of meat. This eliminates thin edges that will overcook and dry out while cooking and also makes a better package for slicing.
How do you cut pork shoulder into chunks?
Here’s how to make the task more simple, step by step.
- Remove any hard, waxy fat from the surface of the meat. …
- Slice meat crosswise into slabs of the desired thickness.
- Cut slabs lengthwise into strips of the desired thickness.
- Cut each strip crosswise into cubes.
How do you cut pork into small pieces?
Can you cut Boston butt in half?
You can split a pork butt in different ways, but to maximize surface area you want to cut it in half lengthwise across its width, as shown in this diagram. … Cutting a butt into two separate pieces versus a single large piece creates more surface area and is, I think, easier to manage on the cooking grate.
What is pork shoulder called in grocery store?
Can you overcook pork shoulder?
In a word, yes. If pork shoulder or pork butt is allowed to cook past 210 degrees or so, the meat will begin to dry out. This will affect the quality of your pulled pork, even if you smother the meat in barbecue sauce before serving it.
Is pork healthy or unhealthy?
As a red meat, pork has a reputation for being unhealthy. However, it is a good source of certain nutrients, as well as high-quality protein. Consumed in moderation, it can make a good addition to a healthy diet.




















