Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork shoulder?
Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a tender and flavorful pork shoulder that will be the star of any meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the steps to cook the perfect pork shoulder in your crock pot.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Shoulder In Crock Pot?
Step 1: Prep the Pork Shoulder
Before you start cooking, you’ll need to prep your pork shoulder. Dry it off with a paper towel and make 1-inch incisions all over the meat. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Pork Shoulder
Next, it’s time to season the pork shoulder. You can use a pre-made rub or create your own with garlic, oil, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano. Rub the seasoning all over the pork shoulder, making sure to push some of it into the incisions.
Step 3: Cook in Crock Pot
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your crock pot and cover it with a lid. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 5-6 hours. The timing can vary depending on your crock pot, so it’s best to go off temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 200F.
Step 4: Rest and Shred
Once the pork shoulder is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes on a cutting board. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. After resting, use a fork to shred the pork shoulder.
Step 5: Incorporate Cooking Liquid
Don’t throw away the liquid in the crock pot! This liquid is full of flavor and can be used to enhance your shredded pork. Pour it through a strainer and add it back to the shredded pork. If you prefer, you can chill the liquid in an ice bath and remove any excess fat before adding it back to the pork.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious and tender pork shoulder is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is or use it in a variety of dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The possibilities are endless!
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 crucial. The pork shoulder is one of the four primal cuts of a hog, and it’s important to know which part of the shoulder to choose for the best results.
The Boston Butt, also known as Pork Butt, is the upper part of the shoulder and is the most commonly used cut for pulled pork. It weighs between 6-8 lbs, is well-marbled, and contains a lot of connective tissue. The method for making pulled pork entails seasoning the butt and smoking it at a low temperature for a long period of time to break down all of the connective tissue.
When shopping for a Boston Butt, always choose one 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.
The Boston Butt will lose about 35-40 percent of its original raw weight when cooked due to the large amounts of fat and bone. An 8lb. Butt will yield about 5lbs. of cooked meat and will serve about 10-12 people.
If you’re buying whole shoulders, look for them to weigh 16-17 lbs. When cooking pork butt, stick with the 8lb range. Stay away from larger cuts of meat. If you’re feeding lots of folks and want the best value, larger sizes are great, but for competition-quality pork butt, you want the best piece of meat that you can possibly get.
When picking out a pork butt, make sure that the meat is bright red-pink and has a coarse grain. It should also 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 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.
Preparing The Pork Shoulder For Cooking
Before cooking your pork shoulder in a crock pot, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the best results. First, you’ll need to prep the pork shoulder by drying it off with a paper towel and making 1-inch incisions all over the meat. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
Next, it’s time to season the pork shoulder. You can use a pre-made rub or create your own with garlic, oil, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano. Rub the seasoning all over the pork shoulder, making sure to push some of it into the incisions.
Once your pork shoulder is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to cook it in your crock pot. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your crock pot and cover it with a lid. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 5-6 hours. The timing can vary depending on your crock pot, so it’s best to go off temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 200F.
After cooking, remove the pork shoulder from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes on a cutting board. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. After resting, use a fork to shred the pork shoulder.
Don’t throw away the liquid in the crock pot! This liquid is full of flavor and can be used to enhance your shredded pork. Pour it through a strainer and add it back to the shredded pork. If you prefer, you can chill the liquid in an ice bath and remove any excess fat before adding it back to the pork.
Finally, your delicious and tender pork shoulder is ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is or use it in a variety of dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The possibilities are endless!
Adding Flavor With Seasonings And Marinades
One of the best ways to add flavor to your pork shoulder is by using seasonings and marinades. A dry rub made with a combination of spices like paprika, chili powder, and cumin can add a smoky and spicy flavor to your pork. You can also add some brown sugar to the rub for a touch of sweetness.
Marinating the pork shoulder overnight can also infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, and honey can give your pork a savory and slightly sweet taste. Be sure to place the marinated pork shoulder in a freezer bag without any air and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.
Another way to add flavor is by incorporating liquids like pineapple juice or apple cider vinegar into the cooking process. These acidic liquids can help tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor to the pork. You can also mix in some barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
Remember, when adding seasonings or marinades, be sure to rub them all over the pork shoulder and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more delicious.
Incorporating seasonings and marinades is a great way to take your crock pot pork shoulder to the next level. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and tender dish that will impress your family and friends.
Setting Up Your Crock Pot For Cooking
When it comes to cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot, it’s important to set up your crock pot properly to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. Here are some tips for setting up your crock pot for cooking:
Step 1: Choose the Right Size
Make sure to choose a crock pot that is the right size for your pork shoulder. A 6-quart crock pot is typically ideal for a 4-6 pound pork shoulder.
Step 2: Preheat the Crock Pot
Some recipes may call for preheating your crock pot before adding your ingredients. To preheat, simply turn your crock pot on to the desired temperature (low or high) and let it heat up for about 15-20 minutes before adding your ingredients.
Step 3: Add Your Ingredients
Once your crock pot is preheated (if necessary), add your pork shoulder and any other ingredients called for in your recipe. Make sure to submerge the pork shoulder in liquid completely if you want it to fall apart easily.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Time and Temperature
Most crock pots have a low and high setting, which will cook your pork shoulder at different temperatures. Low heat will cook your pork shoulder more slowly and evenly, while high heat will cook it faster but may result in slightly less tender meat. Choose the cooking time and temperature based on your recipe and personal preference.
Step 5: Let It Cook
Once you’ve set your crock pot to the desired temperature and cooking time, cover it with a lid and let it cook. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
By following these steps, you can set up your crock pot properly for cooking delicious and tender pork shoulder.
Cooking The Pork Shoulder In The Crock Pot
Cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare this cut of meat. It requires minimal prep work and yields a tender and flavorful result. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook pork shoulder in a crock pot:
First, you’ll need to prep the pork shoulder by drying it with a paper towel and making 1-inch incisions all over the meat. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
Next, it’s time to season the pork shoulder. You can use a pre-made rub or create your own with garlic, oil, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano. Rub the seasoning all over the pork shoulder, making sure to push some of it into the incisions.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your crock pot and cover it with a lid. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 5-6 hours. The timing can vary depending on your crock pot, so it’s best to go off temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 200F.
Once the pork shoulder is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes on a cutting board. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. After resting, use a fork to shred the pork shoulder.
Don’t throw away the liquid in the crock pot! This liquid is full of flavor and can be used to enhance your shredded pork. Pour it through a strainer and add it back to the shredded pork. If you prefer, you can chill the liquid in an ice bath and remove any excess fat before adding it back to the pork.
Your delicious and tender pork shoulder is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is or use it in a variety of dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The possibilities are endless!
Checking For Doneness And Adjusting Cooking Time
It’s important to check the internal temperature of your pork shoulder before serving to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat. The USDA recommends that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F, with an additional 3 minutes of rest time. However, for pulled pork, you’ll want to cook the meat until it reaches at least 200F.
If you find that your pork shoulder hasn’t reached the desired temperature after the recommended cooking time, don’t panic! You can adjust the cooking time by adding more time in increments of 30 minutes until the desired temperature is reached. It’s important not to overcook the meat, as this can cause it to become dry and tough.
Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of your pork shoulder, as well as the temperature of your crock pot. It’s always a good idea to check on your meat periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed. By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and perfectly tender pork shoulder in your crock pot every time.