What is the difference between pork shoulder and pork picnic

Introduction: Pork shoulder vs. pork butt – if these two terms have confused you, you are not alone. Seasoned homemakers even sometimes confuse these two cuts with each other. Discover the differences between pork shoulder and pork butt with me in the article below.

I created this post to help strengthen your understanding and appreciation of these two low-cost cuts of meat. As you read on, you will uncover more information about the qualities and suggested cooking techniques, not to mention the delicious recipes for each cut.

Let’s Gain A Deeper Insight Into Pork Shoulder

Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Butt – A Side-to-Side Comparison

I have walked you through pork shoulder and pork butt breakdowns. However, I don’t think it’s enough for you to imagine the differences. What is better than a side-to-side comparison between the two, right? Now, look at it carefully.

Pork Butt

You Cannot Resist These Delicious Pork Butt Recipes

Enough talking about pork shoulder! A bone-in pork butt is a formidable cut of meat that completes the missing pieces of every puzzle of flavor.

Carolina-Style Smoked Pulled Pork

This Carolina-style smoked pulled pork recipe uses pork butt, along with mouthwatering ingredients like apples and cherries. Not to mention, it will be drizzled with mustard barbecue sauce. I want to take my fork out already just by hearing its name.

Going low and slow is still the best with tougher cuts of meat like pork butt. The fat will drip down the pork during the process, giving a super moist and tender result.

How can you ignore this delicious Carolina Pulled Pork?

Watch this video: Carolina Pulled Pork

Fall-Apart Boston Butt Pork Roast

You should flex your muscles and make this dish on special occasions such as on Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, or friendly gatherings. I know pork shoulder can not compare to ham or more expensive meat. But cooking is all about skills.

As its name implies, the final results of the fall-apart Boston pork butt roast are tender and flavorful cuts of meat. Cooking pork butt is daunting, but the results are worth it. A tip for you is that you should rub and marinate the pork overnight, then spend the next day roasting it.

Blacken Corn and Smoked Pork Soup

Wait, what? Smoked pork soup? You hear me right, and this is not a prank. If you are a fan of soup, you will agree this is the food that can be served all year round, in any season, regardless of day or night.

Therefore, this recipe is perfect for you anytime. This dish calls for cooked or leftover smoked pork butt. What could be better than taking advantage of all the remaining ingredients in the fridge and creating a whole new recipe?

FAQs

I believe you have gained a load of information about pork shoulder and pork butt due to reading my post. I still want to give you some extras, in case you need them sometimes.

Pork shoulder and pork butt, which one is best for pulled pork?

Some may think pork butt is a better choice in this case. But I prefer pork shoulder because the texture of this meat cut is ideal for shredding.

Which is healthier - pork shoulder or pork butt?

I think pork shoulder is a more appealing choice if you are on a diet due to its lower fat content and leaner meat.

Are ham and pork shoulder the same?

Unfortunately, they are not. Ham, more specifically fresh ham, comes from the pig’s hind leg, while pork shoulder runs from the upper portion of the pig shoulder to above its front leg.

What happens if I overcook pork shoulder?

If cooked properly, pork shoulder will be tender and juicy. So if your piece of meat is dry and tough, chances are that it’s overcooked.

What temperature does the pork shoulder fall apart?

When the internal temperature of pork shoulder hits at least 195°F, the collagen will render down so it will be tender enough to fall apart.

Pork shoulder and pork butt, which one requires more work to prepare?

In fact, if you account for differences in size and other conditions, both types of meat require almost the same amount of time and effort to prepare and serve.

Either Choices of Pork Cuts Will Deliver Amazing Tastes

I know it can get intimidating and confusing when choosing cuts of pork, even to the most experienced pitmaster. Has this post ended your panic and confusion? I hope your answer is a loud and clear “Yes!”

Cooking is fun, and so is choosing the ingredients. Hopefully, my article will add a bit of “flavor” to your cooking cycle. Now, can you answer the question earlier? Which cut of meat is your favorite – pork shoulder or pork butt? Don’t forget to let me know in the comments.

Do you find my post interesting and helpful? If the answer is yes, please spread it to your loved ones who may need it. Now it’s time for me to say goodbye. See you next time!

Pork Shoulder
Vs Pork Butt

References

  1. Calorie Slism. 2022. Calories in Pork Shoulder.
  2. Calorie Slism. 2022. Calories in Pork Shoulder Boston Butt.
  3. Brewer, M., 2019. Consumer Attitudes Towards Color and Marbling of Fresh Pork – Hogs, Pigs, and Pork.
  4. fsis.usda.gov. 2022. Food Produce Dating.

Table of Contents

  • Pork Shoulder and Pork Butt – Where Do They Come From?
  • Let’s Gain A Deeper Insight Into Pork Shoulder
  • Pork Is Pork, But What Is Pork Butt Exactly?
  • Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Butt – A Side-to-Side Comparison
  • Here Comes The Big Deal – Food Safety
  • Where to Buy Pork and Things to Know About Storage
  • Add These Pork Shoulder Recipes To Your Menu Now
  • You Cannot Resist These Delicious Pork Butt Recipes
  • FAQs
  • Either Choices of Pork Cuts Will Deliver Amazing Tastes
  • References

Is pork picnic and shoulder the same?

Pork shoulder, also called picnic roast, is the primal cut that comes from a pig's shoulder, above the forelegs.

Can pork shoulder picnic be used for pulled pork?

This cut is often overlooked in the bbq world because there's more meat on the Butt portion but don't count the Pork Picnic Shoulder out. It cooks just like a pork butt and is easily turned into mouth-watering, pulled pork.

Why is a pork shoulder called a picnic?

Since picnic shoulder/ham is an inexpensive substitute for real ham (which only comes from the hind legs), it's considered to be a good cut for casual dining — such as a picnic — rather than for use at a formal family dinner, such as Easter or Thanksgiving.

What is pork picnic used for?

The picnic shoulder contains the arm bone and the shank bones. The shank is commonly smoked to make ham hocks, which are great for flavoring soups and beans. The more meaty part that wraps around the shoulder joint can be sliced, or if cooked more completely, ripped apart to make bbq pulled pork for sandwiches.