Are you tired of throwing away the leftover pork shoulder bone after cooking a delicious meal?
Don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of ways to utilize this often overlooked part of the pig.
From making flavorful broths to creating succulent carnitas, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative and tasty ways to make the most out of your pork shoulder bone.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What To Do With Pork Shoulder Bone?
One of the best ways to use a pork shoulder bone is to make a rich and flavorful broth. Simply place the roasted bone in a stock pot with onions, celery, leeks, garlic, ginger, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar. Add cold water and bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the top. Then, turn down the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-18 hours, stirring and skimming every hour or so. As the broth cooks, add water as needed and add sea salt towards the end of the cooking time.
This broth can be used in a variety of recipes, such as wonton soup or any egg noodle soup recipe. The addition of pork bones adds a lovely sweetness to the broth that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Another great way to use pork shoulder bone is to make carnitas. Braise the shoulder in stock and finish it in its own fat (lard) for a succulent and flavorful dish. You can also use the ears and trotters if you have them handy for an even more authentic carnitas experience.
If you have leftover cooked pork shoulder meat, you can also use the bone to make a delicious soup. Simply simmer the bone with some vegetables and herbs for added flavor and nutrition.
Lastly, don’t forget that pork shoulder bone can be used to make pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. Roast the pork shoulder in the oven until it’s tender and juicy, then shred it with a fork and serve it on warm tortillas or buns with your favorite toppings.
Introduction: Don’t Let Your Pork Shoulder Bone Go To Waste
When it comes to cooking pork shoulder, many people focus solely on the meat and tend to overlook the bone. However, the bone can be a valuable ingredient in its own right, adding flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes. Don’t let your pork shoulder bone go to waste! There are several ways to use it to enhance your cooking and create new and delicious recipes. From making a rich and flavorful broth to using it in carnitas or pulled pork sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. Keep reading to discover some creative ways to use your pork shoulder bone and take your cooking to the next level.
Making A Flavorful Pork Broth
If you’re looking to make a flavorful pork broth, there are several methods you can try. One popular method is to use the stovetop. First, hack the shoulder into smaller bits and add mirepoix (2:1:1 onion:carrot:celery, roughly chopped), 2 bay leaves, some peppercorns, and a couple of sprigs of thyme. Put everything in a pot that is a nice fit but not a tight one, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer for 4 hours, skimming off any scum that accumulates.
Another method is to use an Instant Pot. Simply place as many thawed pork bones as you have into the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot. Add enough filtered water to cover the bones, but no more. Add a few tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar and close the vent. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and adjust the time to 120 minutes on high pressure. When it beeps, you can either manually release the pressure or you can allow it to naturally release. Strain the broth from the bones and store in whatever way is convenient for you.
For added flavor, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, onion, sweet potato peels, and parsley stems. You can also add herbs like bay leaves, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, or lemongrass. For even more flavor, add some garlic, ginger, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves and/or coriander seeds. It is recommended to add an acid like lemon juice, vinegar or wine when making bone broth as it helps extract the collagen from the connective tissues during the cooking process.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to add sea salt towards the end of cook time – it should be just enough to bring out the flavor. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a rich and flavorful pork broth that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Creating Succulent Carnitas With Pork Shoulder Bone
Carnitas, a popular Mexican dish, can be made even more delicious by using pork shoulder bone. To begin, pat the pork shoulder dry and cut it into two pieces, being careful to avoid the bone. Create a spice rub by combining your favorite spices and rub it all over the pork, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. Place both pieces of the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with the fat cap facing up. Add onion and garlic around the pork and pour in chicken broth. Quarter an orange and lime, squeeze both of their juices into the cooker, and stick the spent orange wedges in with the onion and garlic, but discard the lime. Cook the pork either on low for 8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until it is fall-apart tender. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it cool for a few minutes before shredding the meat with two forks, making sure to pick out any chunks of fat that remain. At this point, you’ll have a lot of meat and several cups of cooking liquid. Don’t throw away the liquid! It’s full of flavor and yummy fat that helps to keep the meat moist. To finish off your succulent carnitas, heat up some lard in a skillet over medium-high heat and add your shredded pork. Cook until crispy and browned on the outside, then serve with your favorite toppings such as guacamole or pico de gallo. This dish is perfect for tacos or burritos, but can also be enjoyed on its own with some rice or chewy bread.
Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Bone Stew
One of the most delicious and hearty dishes you can make with pork shoulder bone is a slow-cooked pork shoulder bone stew. This stew is perfect for a cold winter day when you want something warm and comforting.
To make this stew, start by choosing a bone-in pork shoulder or pork sirloin roast that is about 4 pounds. Pork butt or pork shoulder works best in this recipe because it is great for cooking low and slow. The bone will add flavor to the stew, so it’s best to choose a cut with the bone in.
Cut the pork into 2-inch pieces and place them in a slow cooker with cubed potatoes, carrots, peas, and leek. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
Once the stew is done cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Then shred the pork into large pieces, removing the bone, and add it back to the stew. The stew will be thick and hearty, loaded with ingredients that will keep you satisfied for hours.
This slow-cooked pork shoulder bone stew is perfect for serving with crusty bread or over rice. It’s a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder bone and create a delicious and filling meal that your whole family will love.
Using Pork Shoulder Bone In Soups And Chili
One of the best ways to use pork shoulder bone is to add it to soups and chili for added flavor and nutrition. The bone adds a rich depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with just the meat alone.
To use the pork shoulder bone in soups and chili, simply simmer it with some vegetables, herbs, and spices for a few hours until the meat falls off the bone. You can then remove the bone and shred the meat to add to your soup or chili.
For example, if you have leftover smoked pork shoulder, you can make a delicious chili by simmering the bone with some beans, tomatoes, corn, and chili powder. The bone will infuse the chili with smoky flavor and richness that cannot be achieved with just the meat alone.
Another great way to use pork shoulder bone in soups is to make a traditional Vietnamese pho. The bone adds a depth of flavor to the broth that is essential to this classic dish. Simply simmer the bone with some onions, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon for a few hours until the broth is rich and flavorful.
Pork Shoulder Bone Roast: A Delicious And Affordable Meal
Pork shoulder bone roast is not only a delicious and flavorful meal, but it’s also an affordable option that can feed a crowd. This cut of meat is perfect for slow roasting, which allows the meat to become tender and juicy while the skin becomes crispy and crackling.
To start, season the pork shoulder bone roast with your favorite spices and herbs. Then, place it in a roasting pan and cook it in a preheated oven at high heat for 30 minutes to seal in the flavors. After that, reduce the heat and continue cooking for an hour or two until the meat is tender.
Once the pork shoulder bone roast is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This roast can be served with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
Leftover pork shoulder bone roast can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. Simply shred the meat with a fork and serve it on your favorite bread or tortilla with your favorite toppings.
