Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to cook pork shoulder?
Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
Slow cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot is a foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy meat that falls apart with just a touch of a fork.
But how long should you cook it for?
With varying opinions and recipes out there, it can be confusing to know what’s best.
In this article, we’ll break down the different methods and provide tips on how to ensure your pork shoulder is cooked to perfection every time.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Pork Shoulder In Crock Pot?
When it comes to cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot, the general rule of thumb is to cook it on low heat for 8 hours. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender, with all of the connective tissue broken down.
However, it’s important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your pork shoulder and the temperature of your crock pot. Some recipes may call for a shorter cooking time on high heat, while others may require a longer cooking time on low heat.
To ensure that your pork shoulder is cooked to perfection, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F, but for pulled pork, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches at least 200°F.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the tenderness of the meat by using a fork. If it shreds easily, it’s done. If it still feels tough, it needs more time.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork Shoulder
When it comes to cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot, choosing the right cut of meat is essential for achieving the best results. The pork shoulder is one of the four primal cuts of a hog, and it’s important to understand the different parts of the shoulder when selecting your meat.
The pork shoulder is divided into two parts: the Boston Butt (also known as Pork Butt) and the Picnic shoulder. The Boston Butt is the upper part of the shoulder and weighs between 6-8 lbs. It is well marbled and contains a lot of connective tissue, making it perfect for making pulled pork. The Picnic shoulder is the lower part of the shoulder and weighs between 4-6 lbs. It has more bone and less fat than the Boston Butt, making it a bit more challenging to cook.
When selecting your pork shoulder, look for meat that’s pinkish-red in color with some marbling in the meat. Avoid meat that’s pale in color or has dark spots on the fat, as this indicates not-so-fresh meat. A good pork butt will also have a good balance between muscle fibers and fat throughout the meat (aka “marbling”). You ideally want to get a pork butt that has a good amount of fat marbling in the muscle area farthest from the bone (known as “the money muscle” in this cut). But, steer clear of ones that have a ton of extra fat that will need to be trimmed off.
It’s also important to choose a pork shoulder with enough fat content to keep it moist during cooking. Look for a cut with at least 1/4 inch of fat on it, which will render down during the cooking process and add flavor to the meat.
When shopping for a Boston Butt, always choose one with the bone for more flavor. Ask your butcher to score the fat so your rub can get deep into the meat. The Boston Butt will lose about 35-40 percent of its original raw weight when cooked, due to its large amounts of fat and bone. An 8lb. Butt will yield about 5lbs. of cooked meat and will serve about 10-12 people.
Preparing The Pork Shoulder For Crock Pot Cooking
Before you begin cooking your pork shoulder in the crock pot, it’s important to prepare the meat properly. First, dry the pork shoulder with a paper towel and make 1-inch incisions all over it with a knife. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat and help it cook evenly.
Next, you can choose to rub the pork shoulder with a seasoning blend and salt, or create a paste with garlic, oil, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano using a food processor. Rub the paste all over the pork shoulder, pushing some of it into the incisions you made earlier.
Once the pork shoulder is seasoned, place it in the greased crock pot. If you’re using a gravy mixture, mix together cans of chicken and mushroom soup, onion soup/dip mix, salt, pepper, and water in a medium-sized bowl before pouring it over the pork. Otherwise, add water and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If desired, add chopped onions.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour before turning it to low heat for 7 to 9 hours longer. This will ensure that the pork shoulder becomes very tender. Once done, remove the roast from the crock pot and discard any fat and juices.
Chop or shred the pork and then return it to the slow cooker. Mix 1/2 to 1 cup of barbecue sauce into the meat for flavor. Cover and cook on low for about 30 minutes to 1 hour longer until hot. You can serve your pork shoulder as is or on warm split sandwich buns with coleslaw and extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options
One of the great things about cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot is that it’s incredibly versatile when it comes to seasoning and flavoring. Here are some options to consider:
1. Dry Rub: Before cooking, you can rub your pork shoulder with a dry rub of your choice. This can be as simple as salt and pepper or as complex as a blend of herbs and spices. If you’re using a dry rub, it’s best to apply it the night before and let the meat marinate in the fridge overnight.
2. Marinade: Alternatively, you can marinate your pork shoulder in a liquid mixture of your choice. This can be anything from a simple mixture of olive oil and vinegar to a more complex blend of spices, citrus, and herbs. If you’re marinating your meat, make sure to do so the night before and store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
3. BBQ Sauce: Once your pork shoulder is cooked and shredded, you can add your favorite BBQ sauce to give it a sweet and tangy flavor. You can either mix the sauce in with the shredded meat or serve it on the side.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to your cooking liquid can help break down the meat and make it more tender. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that pairs well with pork.
5. Fruit Juices: If you want to add some sweetness to your pork shoulder, consider adding some fruit juice to your cooking liquid. Pineapple juice, orange juice, or apple juice all work well.
6. Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor to your pork shoulder. Rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great options.
Ultimately, the seasoning and flavoring options for pork shoulder in a crock pot are endless. Feel free to get creative and try different combinations until you find one that you love!
Cooking Time And Temperature Guidelines
When cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot, it’s important to follow the proper cooking time and temperature guidelines to ensure that the meat is cooked safely and thoroughly. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Cook on low heat for 8 hours: This is the general rule of thumb for cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot. However, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your pork shoulder and the temperature of your crock pot.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your pork shoulder is cooked to perfection, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F, but for pulled pork, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches at least 200°F.
3. Check tenderness with a fork: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the tenderness of the meat by using a fork. If it shreds easily, it’s done. If it still feels tough, it needs more time.
4. Keep food at safe temperatures: After cooking, make sure to keep your pork shoulder at a safe temperature of 140°F or above if you plan on keeping it hot for serving. If you’re storing leftovers, make sure to cool them down quickly and store them in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pork shoulder is cooked safely and deliciously in your crock pot.
Tips For Checking Doneness And Avoiding Overcooking
Here are some tips to help you check the doneness of your pork shoulder and avoid overcooking it:
1. Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to check the internal temperature of the meat. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork, away from any bones.
2. Check for tenderness: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use a fork to check the tenderness of the meat. If it shreds easily, it’s done. If it still feels tough, it needs more time.
3. Avoid opening the lid: Every time you open the lid of your crock pot, you release heat and moisture, which can increase the cooking time and make the meat dry.
4. Don’t overcook: Overcooking pork shoulder can make it dry and tough. Make sure to check the internal temperature regularly and remove the meat from the crock pot as soon as it reaches the desired temperature.
5. Let it rest: Once your pork shoulder is cooked, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding or slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more flavorful and tender meat.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pork shoulder is cooked to perfection every time. Whether you’re making pulled pork or carnitas, a crock pot is a great way to achieve that fall-apart-tender texture that everyone loves.
Serving And Enjoying Your Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder
Once your slow cooked pork shoulder is done, it’s time to serve and enjoy! There are many ways to enjoy this delicious and tender meat, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: One of the most popular ways to enjoy slow cooked pork shoulder is in a sandwich. Simply shred the meat with a fork and serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or barbecue sauce.
2. Tacos: Another great way to enjoy pulled pork is in tacos. Serve the meat on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
3. Meal Prep: Slow cooked pork shoulder is perfect for meal prep. Divide the meat into individual portions and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
4. Gravy: If you have leftover drippings from cooking the pork shoulder, you can make a delicious gravy to serve alongside the meat. Simply whisk together some flour and water, then add it to the drippings and cook until thickened.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your slow cooked pork shoulder, be sure to savor every bite of this tender and flavorful meat.
