Pulled Pork vs. Pork: What’s the Difference?

Pulled pork and pork are both derived from the meat of pigs, but they are two distinct dishes with different preparation methods and flavors.

Pulled Pork

  • Pulled pork is a barbecue-style preparation in which pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded.
  • The pork is typically seasoned with a rub or marinade before cooking, and it is often cooked in a smoker or slow cooker.
  • Pulled pork is typically served on a bun with barbecue sauce and other toppings, such as coleslaw, onions, and pickles.

Pork

  • Pork is the general term for the meat of pigs. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, frying, and stewing.
  • Pork is a versatile meat that can be used in a wide range of dishes, including pulled pork, pork chops, pork loin, and bacon.

Key Differences Between Pulled Pork and Pork

Feature Pulled Pork Pork
Cut of meat Typically pork shoulder Can be any cut of pork
Cooking method Slow-cooked until tender Can be cooked in a variety of ways
Flavor Smoky and flavorful Varies depending on the cooking method and seasonings
Texture Tender and can be easily shredded Can be tender, tough, or chewy, depending on the cooking method and cut of meat
Serving suggestions Typically served on a bun with barbecue sauce and other toppings Can be served in a variety of ways, including as a main course, in sandwiches, or in salads

Is Pulled Pork the Same as Barbecue?

Pulled pork is a type of barbecue, but not all barbecue is pulled pork. Barbecue is a general term for cooking meat over indirect heat, usually with smoke. Pulled pork is a specific type of barbecue in which pork shoulder is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded.

Other Types of Barbecue

In addition to pulled pork, there are many other types of barbecue, including:

  • Beef brisket: Beef brisket is a cut of beef from the breast of the cow. It is typically slow-cooked until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded.
  • Pork ribs: Pork ribs are a cut of pork from the ribs of the pig. They are typically slow-cooked until they become tender and can be easily pulled from the bone.
  • Chicken: Chicken can also be cooked using barbecue methods. Chicken is typically cooked over indirect heat until it is cooked through.

Pulled pork and pork are two distinct dishes with different preparation methods and flavors. Pulled pork is a type of barbecue in which pork shoulder is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded. Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pulled pork, pork chops, pork loin, and bacon.

How to Smoke Pork Butt / How to Make Pulled Pork Recipe

FAQ

Is pulled pork the same as barbecue?

Pulled pork is an American barbecue dish, more specifically a dish of the Southern U.S., based on shredded barbecued pork shoulder. It is typically slow-smoked over wood (usually outdoors); indoor variations use a slow cooker.

Is chopped BBQ the same as pulled pork?

Conversely, it’s common to serve chopped barbecue as-is, though some prefer to dress it in barbecue sauce. Chopped barbecue and pulled pork have equally tender textures, but the former gets chopped roughly into bite-sized chunks, and the latter gets shredded into long, thin, tender fibers.

What are the two types of pulled pork?

The pork shoulder is the most popular cut used to make pulled pork. The entire hog’s front leg and shoulder make up the pork shoulder. This is often separated into two pieces at your local grocery store: the picnic roast and the Boston butt (also known as the Boston roast).

What is the difference between shredded pork and pulled pork?

Also known as hand-pulled or simply pulled pork, this type of meat is typically made with the Boston butt, which is a cut of meat taken from the pork shoulder. The cut is slow roasted and may be smoked with hickory or other woods. After cooking, the meat is pulled into small strips while it is still hot.

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