Are you planning to cook a delicious pork butt for your next family gathering or dinner party?
If so, you may be wondering how long it will take to cook a 7 lb pork butt to perfection. With so many different recipes and cooking methods out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore three different approaches to cooking a 7 lb pork butt, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Whether you prefer a slow and low roast or a quick and crispy finish, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook 7 Lb Pork Butt?
The cooking time for a 7 lb pork butt will vary depending on the cooking method you choose. Here are three different approaches to consider:
1. Slow and Low Roast:
For a tender and juicy pork butt, a slow and low roast is the way to go. Start by taking your pork out of the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature for about an hour. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and season the pork liberally with salt and pepper. Place it fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for about 40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan under tented foil for at least an hour. Then, heat your oven to 500 degrees and put the pork back in (without foil) to brown and puff up the skin for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for another 10 minutes before serving.
2. Broth-Based Roast:
For a flavorful and moist pork butt, try a broth-based roast. Start by taking your pork out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees and season the pork with pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Place it in a large roasting pan, fat-side-up, and add about half an inch of low or no-sodium chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. Cook for about 40 minutes per pound or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 180 degrees. If most of the broth has evaporated, add more to cover any brownings on the side of the pan. Once done, let it rest for 30-40 minutes before carving.
3. Quick and Crispy Finish:
For a crispy and flavorful pork butt, try a quick finish in a hot oven. Start by lining your pan with foil and placing a baking rack on top of your baking tray to elevate your meat during cooking. Mix together all of your spices along with brown swerve sweetener in a small bowl, then sprinkle and rub the mixture all over the pork butt on all sides. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and place the pan into the oven. Cook for about 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Once done, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
Preparing The Pork Butt
Before cooking your 7 lb pork butt, it’s important to properly prepare it for the best results. Start by taking it out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature and cook more evenly.
Next, you’ll want to season your pork butt with your desired rub or spices. Some people prefer a heavy sprinkling of rub on all sides, while others may opt for a simpler seasoning of just salt and pepper. It’s important to note that you should not put cold meat straight into your smoker or oven, as this can cause the exterior to cook much faster and even burn while the interior is still undercooked.
If you’re using a rub, apply it generously on all sides of the pork butt. Some people prefer to cook untrimmed pork butts with the fat-side facing up, believing that the fat “bastes” the meat during cooking. However, it’s recommended to remove any large areas or pockets of external fat that can be easily trimmed away before applying the rub. This allows for the formation of more dark, flavorful outside meat that people enjoy so much.
After seasoning your pork butt, you’ll want to cook it low and slow for the best results. Depending on your chosen cooking method, this can take anywhere from 6-11 hours at a temperature of 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – pork is best when it is cooked to about 145 degrees.
Once your pork butt is fully cooked, let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. With these preparation tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to cooking a delicious 7 lb pork butt.
Slow And Low Roasting Method
The slow and low roasting method is a great way to achieve a tender and juicy pork butt. To start, take your 7 lb pork butt out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and season the pork liberally with salt and pepper. Place it fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for about 40 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan under tented foil for at least an hour. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork butt. After resting, heat your oven to 500 degrees and put the pork back in (without foil) to brown and puff up the skin for about 15-20 minutes. This step is optional, but it adds a nice crispy texture to the outside of the pork.
After removing from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for another 10 minutes before serving. This slow and low roasting method may take several hours to complete, but the result is well worth the wait. The pork will be moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Remember to plan ahead and allow enough time for this method, as it can take up to 12-15 hours depending on the size of your pork butt.
Quick And Crispy Cooking Method
If you’re looking for a quick and crispy cooking method for your 7 lb pork butt, try this approach. First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line your pan with foil. Place a baking rack on top of your baking tray to elevate your meat during cooking. Mix together all of your spices along with brown swerve sweetener in a small bowl, then sprinkle and rub the mixture all over the pork butt on all sides. Place the pan into the oven and cook for about 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Once done, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before cutting. This method will give you a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it perfect for those who love the contrast of textures in their pork butt. Keep in mind that this method is not as tender as the slow and low roast, so adjust accordingly based on your preferences.
Flavorful Rubs And Sauces
Adding a flavorful rub or sauce to your pork butt can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Dry Rub:
A dry rub is a great way to add flavor to your pork butt without adding extra liquid. Mix together your favorite spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and brown sugar. Rub the mixture generously all over the pork butt before cooking. For a spicier rub, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
2. Vinegar-Based Sauce:
A vinegar-based sauce is a classic choice for pulled pork. Mix together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Brush the sauce onto the pork butt during the last hour of cooking and continue basting until it’s done.
3. Mustard-Based Sauce:
A mustard-based sauce is tangy and delicious on pork. Mix together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Brush the sauce onto the pork butt during the last hour of cooking and continue basting until it’s done.
4. BBQ Sauce:
BBQ sauce is a classic choice for pulled pork. You can use store-bought or make your own by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices such as garlic powder and onion powder. Brush the sauce onto the pork butt during the last hour of cooking and continue basting until it’s done.
No matter what rub or sauce you choose, make sure to apply it generously and baste frequently for maximum flavor. Enjoy your deliciously cooked 7 lb pork butt!
Checking For Doneness
No matter which cooking method you choose, it’s important to check the internal temperature of your pork butt to ensure it’s cooked to perfection. The USDA recommends that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for a tender and juicy pork butt, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-203 degrees Fahrenheit.
To check the temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone. If you’re using a digital thermometer with a meat probe, make sure it’s inserted into the center of the thickest part of the meat without touching any bones or the pan.
It’s important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on many factors including the size and shape of your pork butt, the cooking method you choose, and your oven or smoker. To ensure that your pork butt is cooked to perfection, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature regularly throughout the cooking process. Once your pork butt has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving or shredding. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
Resting And Serving The Pork Butt
After cooking your 7 lb pork butt, it’s important to let it rest before serving. This allows the meat to relax and for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. The ideal resting period for a pork butt is between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size of the meat. However, you should not let it rest for longer than 2 hours as the temperature will drop down to a level that is approaching the danger zone where bacteria can grow.
To rest your pork butt, remove it from the heat source and let it sit at room temperature for around 30-45 minutes. Cover it with foil or a clean towel to keep it warm. During this time, continue to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it does not drop below 140°F. If you are not serving your pork immediately, transfer it to a Cambro or steam cabinet to hold the temperature at a safe level.
When you are ready to serve, carve or shred the pork butt and enjoy! Remember that if you are shredding the meat, it’s best to do so just before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor. You can also store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your 7 lb pork butt is cooked perfectly and served at its best.
