Can You Use Pork Butt for Sausage?

Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is a cut of meat from the shoulder of the pig. It is a versatile cut that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pulled pork, roasted pork, and ground pork. But can you use pork butt for sausage?

The Answer is Yes

Yes, you can use pork butt for sausage. In fact, it is one of the most common cuts of meat used for sausage making. Pork butt has a good balance of lean meat and fat, which makes it ideal for sausage. The fat helps to keep the sausage moist and flavorful, while the lean meat provides structure and body.

Benefits of Using Pork Butt for Sausage

There are several benefits to using pork butt for sausage:

  • Flavor: Pork butt has a rich, porky flavor that is perfect for sausage.
  • Texture: The combination of lean meat and fat in pork butt gives sausage a good texture that is both firm and juicy.
  • Versatility: Pork butt can be used to make a variety of different types of sausage, including breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, and bratwurst.

How to Make Sausage with Pork Butt

Making sausage with pork butt is a relatively simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Grind the pork butt. You can use a meat grinder or a food processor to grind the pork butt. If you are using a food processor, be sure to pulse the meat until it is finely ground.
  2. Season the ground pork. Add your desired seasonings to the ground pork. Common seasonings for sausage include salt, pepper, garlic, and fennel.
  3. Mix the ground pork. Mix the ground pork and seasonings together until they are well combined.
  4. Stuff the sausage. If you are using a sausage stuffer, stuff the sausage into casings. If you are not using a sausage stuffer, you can form the sausage into patties or links.
  5. Cook the sausage. Cook the sausage according to your desired method. Sausage can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, frying, and baking.

Tips for Making Sausage with Pork Butt

Here are a few tips for making sausage with pork butt:

  • Use a good quality pork butt. The quality of the pork butt will affect the flavor of the sausage. Choose a pork butt that is fresh and has a good amount of marbling.
  • Season the sausage to your taste. There are many different ways to season sausage. Experiment with different seasonings until you find a combination that you like.
  • Cook the sausage to the proper temperature. Sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the sausage is safe to eat and that it has a good texture.

Pork butt is a great cut of meat to use for sausage. It has a good flavor, texture, and versatility. If you are looking for a delicious and easy way to make sausage, pork butt is a great option.

How To Make Seasoned Sausage from Whole Pork Butt (Boston Butt)

FAQ

What cut of pork is best for sausage?

Butt/Shoulder: Boneless pork butt is very common for making sausages. It contains 20-30% fat so is perfect for sausages as this is the perfect fat to meat ratio (or you can add another 5% fat for extra tenderness and juiciness). If buying from the butcher, request ‘boneless shoulder/butt’.

What part of pig is used for sausage?

To make a proper pork sausage, you should use a pork butt or pork picnic shoulder. Both come from the pig’s shoulder area and naturally have the appropriate ratio of meat to fat.

What can I use instead of pork back fat for sausage?

Vegetable oils such as olive oil and canola oil have been used as partial substitutes for pork backfat in low-fat frankfurters and other cooked products (Pappa et al., 2000; Park et al., 1989).

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