Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork Boston butt?
Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
This versatile kitchen appliance can help you create a mouth-watering pulled pork dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can have a tender and flavorful pork butt that falls apart with just a touch of a fork.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking pork Boston butt in a crock pot, including tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Boston Butt In Crock Pot?
First, let’s start with the basics. Pork Boston butt is a cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the shoulder of a pig. It’s a tough cut of meat that requires slow cooking to break down the connective tissue and become tender.
To cook pork Boston butt in a crock pot, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
– Pork Boston butt (also known as pork shoulder)
– Liquid (such as water, broth, or soda)
– Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
– Barbecue sauce (optional)
Now, let’s explore some different methods for cooking pork Boston butt in a crock pot:
Method 1: Low and Slow
This method involves cooking the pork on low heat for several hours until it’s tender and falls apart easily. Here’s how to do it:
1. Rub the pork with your favorite seasoning blend and salt.
2. Place the pork in the crock pot and add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pot.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the internal temperature reaches at least 200F.
4. Remove the pork from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
5. Shred the pork with a fork and add barbecue sauce if desired.
Method 2: Dr. Pepper Pork
This method involves using Dr. Pepper soda to add flavor and sweetness to the pork. Here’s how to do it:
1. Place sliced onions in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Rub the outside of the pork with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Pour Dr. Pepper over the pork and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and place it back in the juices.
5. Add barbecue sauce to taste and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes if desired.
Method 3: Creamy Pork Gravy
This method involves using canned soup to create a creamy gravy that adds flavor and moisture to the pork. Here’s how to do it:
1. Rub the pork with seasoning blend and salt.
2. Mix together cans of chicken and mushroom soup, onion soup/dip mix, salt, pepper, and water in a bowl.
3. Place the pork in a greased crock pot and pour the gravy mixture over it.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Remove the bones from the pork and add it back to the crock pot with thickened gravy.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork Boston Butt
When it comes to cooking pork Boston butt in a crock pot, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. Pork Boston butt is often confused with pork shoulder, but they are not the same. Pork Boston butt is the upper part of the shoulder and contains more marbling and connective tissue than pork shoulder. This makes it ideal for slow cooking methods like crock pot cooking.
When choosing a pork Boston butt, look for a piece of meat that is bright red-pink in color with a coarse grain. It should have a firm, smooth, and bright white fat cap on the exterior. Avoid meat that has a pale color and/or dark spots in the fat. This indicates that the meat is not fresh.
A good pork Boston butt will have a good balance between muscle fibers and fat throughout the meat (aka “marbling”). You ideally want to get a pork Boston 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 Boston butt with the bone for more flavor. Make sure it has a nice even layer of fat on it (at least 1/4 inch) so it can render down during the cooking process. Ask your butcher to score the fat so your rub can get deep into the meat.
Preparing Your Pork Butt For The Crock Pot
Before you start cooking your pork Boston butt in the crock pot, it’s important to prepare the meat properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Trim the excess fat: Pork Boston butt can have a lot of excess fat, which can lead to a greasy and unappetizing finished product. Use a sharp knife to trim away any large pieces of fat, leaving a thin layer on the meat.
2. Season the pork: Rub the pork with your favorite seasoning blend and salt. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
3. Cut the meat if necessary: If your pork Boston butt is too large to fit in your crock pot, you can cut it into smaller pieces. Just make sure that each piece is roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.
4. Add liquid to the crock pot: Before adding the pork, pour enough liquid (such as water, broth, or soda) to cover the bottom of the pot. This will help prevent the meat from sticking and burning.
5. Place the pork in the crock pot: Once you’ve prepared the meat, place it in the crock pot on top of the liquid. Make sure that it’s submerged at least partially in the liquid.
6. Add any additional ingredients: Depending on your recipe, you may need to add other ingredients such as onions or barbecue sauce. Follow your recipe carefully to ensure that you’re adding everything at the right time.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to cooking a delicious and tender pork Boston butt in your crock pot. Remember to take your time and let the meat cook slowly for best results!
Seasoning Your Pork Butt For Optimal Flavor
When it comes to seasoning your pork Boston butt, there are a variety of options to choose from. The key is to find a flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
One popular approach is to use a dry rub. A good dry rub typically contains a mixture of spices and herbs that complement the natural flavor of the pork. For example, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper are all common ingredients in a pork butt dry rub. Brown sugar can also be added to give the rub a touch of sweetness.
To make a dry rub, simply mix your desired spices together in a bowl and then rub the mixture onto the pork. Make sure to coat the entire surface of the meat evenly for optimal flavor distribution. You can then let the pork sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Another option is to marinate the pork in a liquid mixture. This method involves soaking the meat in a flavorful liquid for several hours before cooking. A marinade can be made with a combination of ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices. This method is great for adding moisture and flavor to the pork.
Lastly, you can also season your pork with a combination of both dry rub and marinade. This approach allows you to layer flavors and create a more complex taste profile.
No matter which seasoning method you choose, it’s important to remember that seasoning is all about personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs until you find your perfect flavor combination.
Cooking Your Pork Butt In The Crock Pot
Cooking pork Boston butt in a crock pot is a simple and easy process that requires minimal preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook your pork butt in the crock pot:
1. Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork butt roast. Rinse the roast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Rub the pork with your preferred seasoning blend, such as sage, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper, making sure to apply it evenly to the entire roast.
3. Place sliced onions or mushrooms in the bottom of the crock pot, around the outside of the roast.
4. Pour in enough liquid, such as chicken broth or soda, to cover the bottom of the crock pot.
5. Place the pork butt roast in the crock pot, fat side up.
6. Add bay leaves to the liquid for extra flavor.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 200F.
8. Once cooked, remove the pork from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
9. Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces and place it back in the juices.
10. Add barbecue sauce to taste and allow it to cook for an additional 30-60 minutes if desired.
11. Serve your deliciously tender and juicy pork on crusty rolls with coleslaw or any other side dish you prefer.
Cooking your pork butt in a crock pot is a great way to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful meat with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the flavors of your chosen seasonings and liquids, resulting in a deliciously juicy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Shredding And Serving Your Pork Boston Butt
Now that you have cooked your pork Boston butt in a crock pot, it’s time to shred and serve it. Shredding the meat can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preference.
One popular method is the double fork method. First, place the cooked pork on a large cutting board and use a large knife to cut it into large pieces. Then, insert two forks into a piece of meat and pull in opposite directions to get long, thin shreds. Repeat with remaining meat until it is all shredded. This method takes some finesse, but it creates attractive thin strips of meat that are perfect for sandwiches, tacos, chili, stews, and more.
If you have really sensitive hands or just want to save time, you can also use a heavy-duty stand mixer to do the pulling for you. Use a stainless-steel mixer bowl to hold the meat and attach the flat beater to do the shredding. A few seconds on low speed, and you will have a bowlful of machine-pulled pork. Just make sure to remove any bones before you start.
Once the pork is shredded, you can serve it in a variety of ways. Pulled pork is great for sandwiches, either on its own or topped with coleslaw or pickles. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, or add it to chili or stews for extra flavor and protein. If you have leftovers, divide them into shallow containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.