Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder: What’s the Difference?
Are you confused about what constitutes the difference between pork butt vs pork shoulder? Have you ever wondered why these two cuts of meat have such similar names yet are so different in appearance, texture, flavor and versatility?
Interestingly though these two cuts often get mixed up with one another despite some distinct differences that make them uniquely suited for particular recipes. Knowing how to distinguish between the two and which is best for your particular dish can be a big asset when it comes time to pick out your cut of pork at the butcher’s counter.
If so, then read on as we discuss precisely how these two cuts differ from each other and why one is best suited for certain culinary applications more than the other. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at both types of pork and what sets them apart from one another in order to help guide your choices in the future!
What is Pork Butt you ask?
Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or shoulder blade roast, is a cut of pork taken from the area between the pig’s neck and shoulder blades. It’s a cut from the upper part of a pig’s front shoulder that has a high fat content, making it incredibly tender and juicy. It is usually sold in two distinct forms: bone-in or boneless.
What makes it so great is that slow cooking methods like smoking or braising are necessary to break down all the connective tissues, which brings out all its amazing flavors. What’s great too, is that you can buy it with the bone-in and with a fat cap on the side. What this means for you, is some delicious homemade roast pork sandwiches or pulled pork barbecue recipes!
What is Pork Shoulder?
It’s a primal cut from the lower shoulder of the pig, including more intramuscular fat and marbling than other cuts. It is divided into two primary types: blade roast and picnic roast. The blade roast has more fat marbling than its counterpart but both are relatively lean cuts with some great flavor potential when cooked correctly.
This leads to more flavorful pork with more fat which makes it ideal for slower cooking methods.
What signifies Pork shoulder beyond any other cut is that it’s typically boneless and rolled in netting – this makes for easy use in any recipe.
What you’re looking for when selecting a good piece of pork shoulder is one with the skin on; this will ensure maximum flavor and texture. It’s also referred to as picnic roast or picnic shoulder- so it’s incredibly versatile and can be used in many recipes.
*Related articles:
Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder: Comparison Chart
Sure, here are some additional notes to provide further context for the comparison between pork butt and pork shoulder:
| Criteria | Pork Butt | Pork Shoulder |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Even rectangular shape with skin off | Tapered, triangular shape with skin still attached |
| Amount of Fat | Much more marbling and intramuscular fat throughout | Less marbled and fatty |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Cooking | Slow-smoked cooking or slow cooker for pulled pork | Roasted on the grill for internal juices |
| Texture | More tender | Less tender |
| Taste | Bolder, beefier flavor | Milder, sweeter taste |
| Storing | Can last up to a couple of days if smoked as a whole | Only store what won’t be eaten within a day or two |
| Uses | Pulled pork, slicing into cubes or shredding into strips, tacos, ramen, etc. | Great for slow cooking, making pulled pork, slicing into cubes or shredding into strips, etc. |
The Difference Between Pork Butt Vs Pork Shoulder
So how do these two cuts differ from each other? Well, let’s take a closer look at the differences between pork butt and pork shoulder:
-Shape of the Cut:
For those butchers who specialize in pork cuts, buying a pork shoulder or pork butt is probably much easier than it sounds.
You’ve got a few options to choose from when visiting the butcher’s counter. If you’re getting a pork shoulder, it will typically be cut in a tapered, triangular shape with its skin still attached.
Pork butt is cut with an even rectangular-shape and the skin is off. Connection to the topic, I suggest asking your local butcher for exactly what you want – no need to worry about guessing; bone-in or without, skin on/off, trimming fat cap away can all be requested and tailored according to your preference!
-Amount of Fat:
When it comes to marbling and fat content, pork butt is simply second to none. It contains much more of both marbling and intramuscular fat throughout the meat which makes for a tender, juicy flavor. The extra fat helps to keep the meat moist and adds a lot of flavor to dishes, too.
But if you’re looking for something leaner then pork shoulder can’t be beaten. Though it’s far less marbled and fatty, it still has its own unique texture and a great taste. So if you’re in the market for either, make sure to choose wisely!
-Cost:
When it comes to costs, pork shoulder is more expensive than pork butt. This makes sense as the shoulder has more muscle and fat than the butt, which means that more of the meat needs to be used in order to get the same weight.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bargain then pork butt could be your go-to cut. It’s much cheaper than its counterpart but still offers a great taste and plenty of flavor! So depending on budget and flavor preference, both cuts are solid options.
Pork butt tends to be more expensive than pork shoulder due to the amount of fat marbling which makes it desirable for certain recipes.
-Cooking It / When to Use It:
Cooking pork butt can be tricky, but with the right cooking techniques, you’re sure to get juicy and tender meat. The best methods are slow-smoked cooking and cooking it in a slow cooker.
When cooking pork butt, the extra fat and connective tissues will break down and give you that desired texture you’re going for.
Plus, smoking it means you can make flavorful pulled pork dishes. But cooking it in a slow cooker for Mexican-style carnitas is also delicious!
Alternatively, cooking pork shoulder at higher temperatures and for less time works best – it’s usually roasted on the grill to make good use of its internal juices.
Plus, leaving the skin on gives your dish different flavors and textures! Despite the challenges of cooking with pork cuts, all that effort will be worth it in the end!
-Texture:
When it comes down to texture, Pork Butt tends to be much more tender than Pork Shoulder due to its higher fat content. This allows for even slower cooking and will result in a product that is soft, juicy, and full of flavor.
Pork shoulder can be cooked quickly but won’t have the same tenderness as pork butt due to its lower fat content. It also has more connective tissue that needs to be broken down during cooking which makes it ideal for dishes like pulled pork or shredded carnitas.
Pork butt has a bolder, beefier flavor whereas pork shoulder has a milder, sweeter taste. This difference in flavor profile also comes into play in deciding what type of dish you would use either cut for.
-Taste:
Taste is a key consideration for pork aficionados trying to decide which cut to purchase; that is why many experts point to fat content when looking for the most flavor. Having a higher fat content, pork butt tends to be more flavorful than its counterpart, the pork shoulder.
However, even with the same cut of meat, cooking techniques and methods will dramatically change the taste experience. The oven, stove top, and BBQ pit will all yield diverse flavors that can involve creativity in combining certain ingredients or tweaking temperatures and durations.
-Storing the Meat:
Storing the meat is an important part of cooking with either pork shoulder or pork butt. If you smoke the meat as a whole and keep it in an airtight container, it can last up to a couple of days.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on using your smoked pork butt for pulled pork, then you should only store what won’t be eaten within a day or two.
This ensures that pulled pork doesn’t dry out and become tasteless when stored, ensuring that the meal stays flavorful on your plate each time. Storing pork correctly keeps it safe to cook and enjoy all week long!
-Uses:
Pork shoulder is a versatile cut of pork and great for slow cooking. With its higher fat content, the result is always wonderfully tender, moist and flavorful. It’s particularly good for making pulled pork as its slow cooking method gives it the perfect tear-away consistency. Uses for pork shoulder don’t have to stop at just pulled pork though. The tougher meat makes it ideal for slicing into cubes or shredding into strips – perfect for ramen, tacos and so many other dishes!
So there you have it- the difference between pork butt vs pork shoulder! Now that you know more about these two cuts of meat, you can make an informed decision on what’s right for your recipes in the kitchen.
*You Might Also Like
- Beef Tenderloin Vs Filet Mignon: Comparison The Differences?
- New York Strip Vs Ribeye: Comparison The Differences?
FAQs About Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder
Is Pork Shoulder the Same as Pork Butt?
No, pork shoulder and pork butt are not the same. While they’re both cuts of meat from the same area of the pig (the shoulder), their fat content and texture is slightly different. Pork shoulder has a milder flavor profile and less fat than pork butt.
What Is The Difference in Taste Between Pork Shoulder & Butt?
Pork butt has a bolder, beefier flavor whereas pork shoulder has a milder, sweeter taste. This difference in flavor profile also comes into play when deciding what type of dish you would use either cut for.
Is It Possible To Make Pulled Pork From Any Cut Of Pork?
No, not all cuts of pork are suitable for making pulled pork. The best cut of meat to use is pork shoulder as it has more fat and connective tissue that needs to be broken down during cooking which makes it perfect for slow-cooked dishes like pulled pork or shredded carnitas.
How Do You Make Boston Butt Pork Roasts?
To make a Boston butt pork roast, you’ll need to first season the meat with salt and pepper. Then, cook it slow and low in the oven or on the stove top for around four hours until tender. Finally, shred the cooked pork roast with two forks before serving.
Is Pork Shoulder Better Than Pork Butt?
Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference. Some prefer the bolder flavor of pork butt while others may like the milder taste of pork shoulder. It also depends on what type of dish you’re making; both cuts work great for slow-cooked dishes like pulled pork but are less suitable for faster cooking methods such as grilling or roasting.
It’s important to consider all these factors when deciding which cut of meat is best for your recipe. Both can be equally delicious if cooked correctly so don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods and recipes!
Conclusion – Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder
So, there you have it – the main differences between pork butt vs pork shoulder. Now that you know how to distinguish between these two cuts of meat and which is best for particular recipes, choosing the right one should be a breeze! Just remember to take into account texture, flavor and price when deciding which cut is best for your dish.
Pitmaster Lives in Eugene, USA. Bio: I’m Billy McCallum, and I love barbecue. I’m the president and founder of Billy Mac’s Bar & Grill, with over 20 years of experience in the field. I’m an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert who uses charcoal, wood, and fire to craft extraordinary culinary masterpieces. My mission is to educate others how to master their grills and cook a diverse range of foods on them. I have extensive expertise smoking briskets, pork shoulders using charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers.
I also review kitchent appliances such as grills, smoke, and more. I’ve tried out almost every model available, so if you’re in the market for any of these items be sure to check out my reviews!