Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways. It’s a flavorful and affordable cut that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. In this guide, we’ll explore two mouthwatering recipes for cooking pork butt: a slow-roasted pork butt and a roast pork butt. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to common questions to ensure you achieve perfectly cooked pork butt every time.
Recipe 1: Slow-Roasted Pork Butt
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-pound) boneless pork butt, Boston butt, or pork shoulder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Barbecue sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork: Remove any netting or excess fat from the pork butt. Trim off any silver skin if desired.
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Season the Pork: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and thyme. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
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Sear the Pork: Heat a heavy-duty skillet over high heat. Sear the pork butt on all sides until browned, about 10 minutes.
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Roast the Pork: Cover the pork butt with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Roast for 3 hours.
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Uncover and Continue Roasting: Remove the foil and continue roasting the pork butt for another hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 180-185°F (82-85°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
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Rest the Pork: Remove the pork butt from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding.
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Serve: Serve the shredded pork with barbecue sauce, if desired.
Recipe 2: Roast Pork Butt
Ingredients:
- One (6 1/2- to 8-pound) bone-in skinless pork butt (Boston butt), or pork shoulder or two 3 1/2- to 4-pound pork butts
- 1 tablespoon Diamond kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- Your favorite storebought or homemade barbecue sauce, (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork: Remove the skin from the pork butt, if necessary. Trim off any excess fat.
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Season the Pork: In a small bowl, stir together the salt, sugar, paprika, pepper flakes, cumin, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt, ensuring it’s completely coated.
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Refrigerate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, wrap the pork butt tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C). Place a wire rack in a roasting pan.
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Roast the Pork: Place the pork butt, fat side up, on the rack. Roast the pork, uncovered, until the internal temperature reaches 190-195°F (88-91°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. This can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the size of the pork butt.
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Rest the Pork: Remove the pork butt from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding.
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Serve: Serve the shredded pork with barbecue sauce, if desired.
Tips for Cooking Pork Butt
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Choose the Right Cut: Pork butt and pork shoulder are both suitable cuts for these recipes. Pork butt is slightly leaner and has a more consistent shape, while pork shoulder is more marbled and has a more irregular shape.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the pork butt is cooked to the correct internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for pulled pork is 180-185°F (82-85°C).
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Let the Pork Rest: After cooking, let the pork butt rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and juicy meat.
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Shred the Pork: Use two forks to shred the pork butt. Pull the meat apart along the grain for tender and flavorful pulled pork.
Common Questions
Q: How long does it take to cook a pork butt?
A: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pork butt and the cooking method used. As a general guideline, allow 3-4 hours per pound for slow roasting and 4-6 hours per pound for oven roasting.
Q: Can I cook a pork butt in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook a pork butt in a slow cooker. Place the pork butt in the slow cooker, add your desired seasonings, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Q: What can I serve with pork butt?
A: Pork butt is a versatile dish that can be served with various sides. Some popular options include coleslaw, baked beans, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
Cooking a pork butt is a simple and rewarding process that yields delicious and flavorful results. By following the recipes and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create perfectly cooked pork butt that will impress your family and friends. Whether you choose the slow-roasted or oven-roasted method, you’re sure to enjoy this classic dish.