Pork butt is not from the rear of the pig. Pork shoulder is from only part of the shoulder. Confused? We’ll clear up the difference between these two cuts.
Pork butt and pork shoulder are frequently confused—and misleadingly named—cuts of meat. Both come from the shoulder of the pig, but pork butt is higher on the foreleg, while pork shoulder is farther down. As relatively tough and fatty cuts, both benefit from long, slow cooking methods such as roasting, stewing, and braising. But the cuts are different enough that we generally prefer pork butt. Read on to understand why.
What's the Difference?
Also known as "Boston butt" | Also known as "picnic shoulder" or "picnic roast" |
Well marbled with intramuscular fat | Typically has less intramuscular fat and marbling |
Often sold with fat cap intact | Frequently sold with skin on |
Rectangular, uniform shape | Tapered, triangular shape |
Sold as bone-in and boneless | If boneless, typically sold in netting; when netting is removed, meat "unfolds" into uneven layer |
When to Use Pork Butt
Since pork butt has more fat marbling throughout the meat and a more uniform shape, it’s the best cut for stewing and braising as well as for making fall-apart-tender pulled pork for a barbecue or for tacos. If a recipe calls for a choice between pork shoulder and pork butt, we highly recommend choosing pork butt.
When to Use Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder is our cut of choice when making a pork roast that calls for crackling-crisp skin (such as our Cuban-Style Oven-Roasted Pork), since the cut is sold with the skin on.
Try These Pork Butt Recipes
Try These Pork Shoulder Recipes
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Pork loin and pork shoulder are two cuts of meat that are very similar but have some key differences.
Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, making it the best option for those who want to keep calories down.
Pork shoulder has more fat in it.
Which one you choose to cook may depend on what you’re planning to do with it or how much time you have.
In this blog post, we will compare and contrast two of these cuts.
What is special about pork loin?
Pork loin is a cut of pork that is taken from the center of the pig’s back.
This is a tasty cut of meat that can be prepared in many different ways.
Pork loin is lean, has very little fat, and the flavor of the pork loin varies depending on how you cook it.
Pork loin can be roasted, grilled, or braised for an easy meal.
The pork loin is the leanest part of the pig and so doesn’t have much fat or connective tissue present, making it easy to slice thin for roasting or grilling.
What is special about pork shoulder?
The name ‘pork shoulder’ comes from the fact that this cut of meat is on the upper part of a pig’s front leg.
It is called ‘the picnic ham’ or ‘the Boston Butt’ in other parts of North America and Great Britain respectively.
It can be used to make BBQ, pulled pork sandwiches, and even pulled chicken sandwiches.
Pork shoulder is so versatile because it’s lean and fatty at the same time.
This means that you get the best of both worlds in one cut!
What are the differences between pork loin and pork shoulder?
1. Pork loin is a leaner cut of meat, while pork shoulder has more fat
Pork loin is a leaner cut of meat, while pork shoulder has more fat.
You can taste the flavor better when cooking with pork loin because there is not as much fat to get in the way! Your taste buds can taste more easily!
2. Pork loin is usually roasted or grilled, while pork shoulder can be cooked in many ways
Pork loin and shoulder are two cuts of pork that can be cooked in many ways.
Pork loins are typically roasted or grilled, while the more flavorful meat from a pork shoulder may serve as well for braising, stewing, roasting, or grilling.
3. Pork loin is more expensive than pork shoulder
Pork loin is the more expensive cut because it has less fat and muscle than pork shoulder.
The higher cost of this meat comes from its leaner consistency, which means you’re paying for high-quality protein that’s low in calories but still flavorful.
4. Pork loin is typically served as an entree, while most people use pork shoulder as part of another dish such as pulled-pork sandwiches or barbecue ribs
Pork loin is superior meat that deserves to be served as the main dish in restaurants.
The majority of people use pork shoulder for other dishes such as sandwiches and ribs, but you can enjoy all its delicious flavors by cooking it on your grill.
What are the similarities between pork loin and pork shoulder?
1. Both cuts can be used in many dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, or salads
Pork is a great protein source that can be used in many dishes.
Pork loin and pork shoulder are the two most common parts of a pig, which means they have different textures and flavors to offer you depending on what dish you’re preparing.
Pork loin and pork shoulder are versatile meats that can be used in many dishes, such as tacos, sandwiches, or salads.
2. Both cuts of meat are best served with a sauce (such as BBQ sauce) or seasoning (such as salt and pepper)
The best way to cook pork loin is with a sauce or seasoning.
For example, BBQ sauces are popular for pairing with the meat and adding flavor.
Pork shoulder can be seasoned by sprinkling it in salt and pepper before cooking as well!
3. Both cuts have similar flavor profiles, but the texture and taste will vary depending on how they’re prepared
The pork loin and the pork shoulder are of similar flavor profiles, but their taste can vary depending on how they’re prepared.
The loin is a leaner cut of meat than the shoulder.
The shoulder has more fat and connective tissue, which means it needs to be cooked for a long time to become tender.
With one hour in boiling water, you can easily break down the muscles.
Does pork loin work for pulled pork?
Pulled pork is a delicious and versatile dish that you can use in countless ways.
It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads and more.
If you’re looking to make pulled pork, there are a few options available to you.
You can buy pre-made pulled pork at the store, but this can be expensive and not as fresh as making it yourself.
You could also use chicken breasts or boneless thighs instead of pork loin for your pulled pork recipe.
But does pork loin work for pulled pork?
Absolutely!
Pork loin is a great choice for making pulled pork because it’s affordable and easy to work with.
Plus, it has a similar texture to other cuts of meat like chicken breast or boneless thighs when cooked properly.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder for carnitas?
Yes, you can use pork loin instead of pork shoulder for carnitas.
Pork loin is a lean cut that is relatively easy to cook and prepare.
It’s also leaner and more flavorful than other cuts of meat, making it a great option for carnitas.
Carnitas are a Mexican dish made with pork that is slow-cooked until tender, then shredded or chopped up into chunks.
The meat is seasoned with spices and other ingredients like citrus juice and garlic before being cooked low and slow in lard (pork fat).
This method makes the meat melt in your mouth when you eat it, but it also requires several hours of cooking time—time that you may not have if you’re trying to make carnitas for dinner tonight!
If this sounds like your situation (or if you just don’t want to deal with cooking meat in lard), then consider using pork loin instead of pork shoulder for carnitas.
The result should still be delicious—you’ll just need less time (and less effort) to get there.
Which one is better?
Which cut of meat do you prefer? Pork loin or pork shoulder? Pork shoulder and pork loin are both great cuts of meat, but they have some key differences.
The choice may depend on what your cooking plans are and how much time you have.
If it’s a lean cut of meat that doesn’t need to be cooked for very long, go with the pork loin.
But if you want a more flavorful dish that requires longer cooking times, try the pork shoulder instead!