How To Cook Pork Shoulder For Pulled Pork

Can I use pork shoulder for pulled pork?

The most common cut for making pulled pork is the shoulder. The pork shoulder is the entire front leg and shoulder of a hog. In your grocery store, you will usually find this divided into two cuts: the Boston butt (also known as the Boston roast) and the picnic roast.

How long do I cook a pork shoulder for?

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 temperature should pork shoulder be for pulled pork?

For pulled pork, the ideal temperature is 205°F. The high internal temperature allows collagen to break down, making the meat very tender. Keep in mind that the pork shoulder will continue to cook internally by 10 degrees even after it’s been removed from the grill.

Should I boil pork shoulder before cooking?

Pork shoulder is inexpensive, easy to cook and a good source of protein. Although it’s a tough cut of meat, by gently boiling pork shoulder on the stovetop, the result will be a tender and flavorful roast that’s just perfect for a picnic lunch.

Do you cut the fat off pork shoulder before slow cooking?

Pork shoulder has a good amount of fat layer on the surface. Make sure to cut away most of the excess fat, leaving just a small amount for flavor. This will make it easier to remove the fat later when making the barbecue sauce.

What liquid do you use for pulled pork?

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily. Here’s the thing about slow cooker pork: You can’t rush it.

How long do you cook pork shoulder per pound?

Cook 30 minutes per pound total, or until the internal temperature as measured with a meat thermometer is 160° F. Remove the pork from the oven and allow to rest 15 minutes before carving, discard onions. Serves 8-10. The less tender shoulder cut is given a long slow cooking time to create a tender meal.

How long does a 10 lb pork shoulder take to cook?

10 pound pork roast: Start with the heat at 450° for 20 minutes, then turn the heat down to 250°F and continue to cook for 8 1/2 to 10 1/2 hours until the middle of the roast registers 180°F.

Do you cook a pork shoulder fat side up or fat side down?

The answer is simple: Always position the meat with the fat side facing up. Here’s why. When the fat is facing up, it will act as a natural basting liquid for the pork as it renders out. While the fat doesn’t penetrate too deeply beneath the surface of the meat, it still helps it retain a high degree of moisture.

How long do I cook a pork shoulder at 275?

Cook the pork shoulder in a 275° F oven, or on the grill over indirect heat, until the internal temperature reaches 180° F to 190° F — about 6 hours. The meat should be very tender and easily pull away from the bone.

When should I pull my pork shoulder?

Pork Shoulder Resting Period You should always let pork shoulder rest for a minimum of 15 minutes before you attempt to pull it. However, if time permits, we would recommend a 30-45 minute resting period. This gives the meat time to reabsorb as much moisture as possible while still retaining plenty of heat.

How long do I cook a pork shoulder at 250 degrees?

At 250 degrees, boneless pork shoulder should cook at a rate of about 90 to 95 minutes per pound. To put it in practical terms, this means that a 10-pound cut of pork shoulder will be done in around 15 to 16 hours.

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.

Should I brown pork shoulder before slow cooking?

Before you pop your pork in the slow cooker, consider searing it first. Searing a roast before cooking has several benefits. The sugars and fats in the meat caramelize, yielding a richer taste and heartier texture when the roast is finished cooking.

How do you slow boil pork?

Boiling a pork shoulder is best done in a slow cooker, simmering the meat on high for one to two hours and then reducing the heat for two to six additional hours. This method will produce a tasty, tender meat. Cooking vegetables alongside a pork shoulder is a good way to add extra flavor to the meal.4 days ago.

Do you drain the juice from pulled pork?

Drizzle the liquid smoke over the pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours or until the pork shreds easily. Shred pork, and drain the liquid in the slow cooker insert. Return pork to slow cooker, and stir in barbecue sauce.

Should I score the fat cap on pork shoulder?

I use the score method only if there is a really thick fat cap on the shoulder. I should probably trim it down, but the score is a matter of ease. Pork is pretty forgiving so either way will yield similar results.

How long can I leave pulled pork in slow cooker?

You can keep the pulled pork on the “warm” setting in your slow cooker for up to 4 hours.

What temperature do I slow cook pulled pork?

What temperature to cook pulled pork? pulled pork, whether made in the oven, on the grill, or in the slow cooker, is best cooked on a low and slow temperature. somewhere in the range of 190 to 250 degrees F depending on the method used. another important temperature to note is the internal temp of the pork shoulder.

Is pork shoulder the same as pork butt?

Pork shoulder is one primal cut; the others are the loin, the belly, and the hind leg. The primal shoulder cut is divided into two sub-primal cuts—picnic shoulder and pork butt, also known as Boston butt. The shoulder meat packed into these barrels became known as pork butt, and the name stuck.

What does Dr Pepper do to pulled pork?

Using Dr Pepper to make pulled pork isn’t just a novelty, it’s actually a really key ingredient. Not only does it help keep the pork moist, but it also injects a gorgeous sweet flavour.

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