Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a popular choice for slow-cooked dishes, such as pulled pork and carnitas, but it can also be roasted, grilled, or braised. Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making it a great value for your money. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This article provides recipes for four delicious pork shoulder dishes:
* **Classic Pulled Pork:** This is a classic American dish that is perfect for a backyard barbecue or potluck. The pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce until it is fall-apart tender. Serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and pickles.
* **Carnitas:** This Mexican dish is made with pork shoulder that is braised in a mixture of spices and citrus juices. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that can be used in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
* **Roasted Pork Shoulder:** This is a simple but elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The pork shoulder is roasted in the oven until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve it with roasted vegetables and a flavorful sauce.
* **Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples:** This is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The pork shoulder is braised in a flavorful sauce with apples, onions, and spices. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice.
ALL-PURPOSE PORK SHOULDER
Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network
Time 5h10m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Rinse the pork, place on a cutting board, pat dry with paper towels and rub in the salt and pepper. Set the pork in the bowl of a slow cooker, scatter the onion over the pork, sprinkle in the garlic and add the wine. Cook until the meat easily pulls apart with a fork, about 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
- Turn off the slow cooker and transfer the pork to a platter. Use two forks to shred the meat.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can braise the pork shoulder in a 325 degrees F oven for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
SLOW COOKER ALL-PURPOSE PORK SHOULDER
Steps:
- 1. Rinse the pork, pat dry, S+P it. Set in to slow cooker and scatter onion over the pork, sprinkle in garlic, and add wine. Cook until it pulls apart easily. 8 hours on low, 4 on high. 2. Shred meat and eat or use as directed on page 181.
Tips:
- Choose a 6-8 pound pork shoulder with good marbling for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Generously season the pork shoulder with a flavorful rub, ensuring it's evenly coated on all sides.
- Sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan or Dutch oven to create a delicious crust and seal in the juices.
- Slow-cook the pork shoulder in a flavorful liquid, such as broth, beer, or apple cider, for several hours until it's fall-apart tender.
- Let the pork shoulder rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding or slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Conclusion:
With these versatile recipes, you can transform a simple pork shoulder into a succulent, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you're making classic pulled pork, succulent carnitas, or tender barbacoa, the all-purpose pork shoulder is your perfect starting point. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and get ready to create a pork shoulder masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
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