Should I Remove Fat from Pork Shoulder Before Slow Cooking?

Pork shoulder is a popular cut of meat for slow cooking. It is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat that is full of flavor. However, pork shoulder can also be quite fatty. Some people choose to remove the fat from the pork shoulder before slow cooking, while others leave it on.

There are pros and cons to both methods. Removing the fat will result in a leaner pulled pork. However, leaving the fat on will add more flavor to the pulled pork. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove the fat is a matter of personal preference.

Pros of Removing the Fat

• Leaner pulled pork: Removing the fat will result in a leaner pulled pork. This is a good option for people who are watching their weight or who do not like fatty meats.
• Easier to shred: Removing the fat will make it easier to shred the pulled pork. The fat can make the pulled pork more difficult to shred, especially if it is cold.

Cons of Removing the Fat

• Less flavor: Removing the fat will result in a less flavorful pulled pork. The fat adds flavor to the pulled pork, so removing it will result in a less flavorful dish.
• Drier pulled pork: Removing the fat will also result in a drier pulled pork. The fat helps to keep the pulled pork moist, so removing it will result in a drier dish.

Tips for Removing the Fat

If you decide to remove the fat from the pork shoulder, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.

• Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife will make it easier to remove the fat without tearing the meat.
• Score the fat. Scoring the fat will help to loosen it from the meat. To score the fat, simply make shallow cuts into the fat in a criss-cross pattern.
• Remove the fat in one piece. If possible, try to remove the fat in one piece. This will make it easier to discard the fat and will help to keep the meat intact.

Whether or not to remove the fat from pork shoulder before slow cooking is a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to both methods. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment and see what you prefer.