Quick Answer
Yes, you can shred pork shoulder. Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is a tough cut of meat that contains a lot of collagen. When cooked low and slow, the collagen breaks down into gelatin which helps keep the pork shoulder moist and tender. This makes pork shoulder an ideal cut of meat for shredding and pulling. The shredded pork can then be used for many delicious recipes like carnitas, tacos, sandwiches, soups, and more.
What is Pork Shoulder?
Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt or Boston shoulder, comes from the upper front leg of the pig. It is a triangular shaped cut that consists of parts of the neck, shoulder, and upper arm of the pig. Pork shoulder contains a good amount of fat marbled throughout as well as connective tissue and collagen. This makes it a tougher cut than loin or tenderloin. However, when cooked properly, the fat renders and the collagen breaks down into gelatin giving incredibly moist, tender and flavorful meat.
Other Names for Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder may also be referred to as:
- Pork butt
- Boston butt
- Boston shoulder
- Picnic shoulder
- Picnic roast
- Blade shoulder
- Shoulder roast
- Shoulder steak
The term “pork butt” can be confusing since it doesn’t come from the rear end of the pig. It’s speculated that this name comes from old barrels called “butts” that were used to pack and ship pork shoulders. The rectangular shape of the cut allowed it to fit nicely in these barrels.
How to Cook Pork Shoulder for Shredding
To shred pork shoulder, it needs to be cooked slowly over low heat. This allows the tough connective tissues to break down into gelatin and the fat to render, leaving moist, pull-apart tender meat. Here are some ways to cook pork shoulder for shredding:
Oven (Roast)
One of the easiest ways to cook pork shoulder is in the oven. To shred, it needs to roast for several hours at a low temperature, ideally 300°F to 325°F. The roast needs time for the internal temperature to rise and the connective tissues to melt into succulent pulled pork. Plan for about 1 hour of cooking time per pound.
First, generously season the pork all over with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Place it fat side up in a roasting pan and cook uncovered. Baste occasionally with pan juices for added moisture and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, cooking until it reaches 200°F to 210°F.
Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker or crockpot is another hands-off approach for tender, pull-apart pork. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker and add any vegetables, stock or other liquid. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. The meat should shred easily when cooked long enough.
Instant Pot
For fast shredded pork, an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker gets the job done. Season the pork shoulder and add 1 cup liquid to the pot. Cook at high pressure for 60-90 minutes until fork tender. Use natural pressure release so the meat continues to cook gently in the residual heat.
Smoker
Smoking pork shoulder over low indirect heat infuses incredible flavor. Maintain a temperature of 225°F to 300°F and allow 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours of cooking time per pound. Use wood chips, chunks or pellets for flavor. The smoked pork will have an irresistible tender texture.
Sous Vide
Cooking pork shoulder sous vide involves vacuum sealing the seasoned meat and submerging it in temperature controlled water. It cooks low and slow for up to 36 hours. This tenderizes the meat while retaining moisture. Finish by quickly searing the pork shoulder to get caramelized crispy bits.
How to Shred Pork Shoulder
Once the pork shoulder is fully cooked, it’s time to shred it. Here are some tips:
- Let it rest – Allow the cooked pork to rest for about 20 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
- Use forks or tongs – Pull the pork into smaller pieces with two forks or tongs. The meat should easily separate.
- Shred in the juices – For added moisture, you can shred the pork in the pan juices or cooking liquid.
- Use stand mixer – To quickly shred a large amount of pork, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Wear gloves – Wearing disposable gloves keeps your hands from getting messy in the shredding process.
Continue shredding and mixing the pork until it reaches the texture you desire. Pull any excess fat if needed. Now the pork is ready for all your favorite recipes!
How Much Pork to Buy
It’s helpful to know how much pork shoulder to purchase based on how much shredded meat you need. As a general guideline:
| Raw Weight | Cooked Weight |
|---|---|
| 5 pounds | 3 pounds |
| 8 pounds | 5 pounds |
| 10 pounds | 6 to 7 pounds |
On average, expect a 40% loss in weight after cooking and shredding. So for 5 pounds of raw pork shoulder, expect around 3 pounds of pulled pork. Buy a little extra since some fat and juices are also lost in the cooking process.
Tips for Shredding Pork Shoulder
Follow these tips for perfectly shredded pork shoulder every time:
- Trim excess fat – Trimming large fatty areas before cooking can reduce greasiness.
- Cook low and slow – Whether roasted, simmered, or smoked, gentle low heat is key.
- Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer for best results. Shoot for 200°F to 210°F.
- Let meat rest – Allowing the cooked pork to rest prevents juices from escaping when shredded.
- Shred across the grain – Pulling meat across the grain helps separate it into stringy strands.
- Use flavorful liquid – Add pan juices, broth, barbecue sauce, etc. as you shred for extra moisture.
- Remove any bone – Take out the bone before shredding if cooking a bone-in shoulder.
- Check for doneness – If meat doesn’t shred easily, continue cooking until more tender.
Proper cooking and temperature are most important. When sufficiently cooked, the pork will be succulent and tender enough to pull apart with ease.
How to Store Shredded Pork
Shredded pork shoulder should be stored properly for safety and freshness. Here are some storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate – Store shredded pork in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Air-tight container – Place pork in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag.
- Use quickly – For best quality, try to use pulled pork within 3-4 days.
- Freeze extras – For longer storage, freeze extra shredded pork for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently – Thaw frozen pork in the refrigerator before reheating. Use gentle heat to warm.
The rich fatty content of pork shoulder makes it more prone to spoiling. Proper refrigeration prevents bacteria growth. For maximum flavor and juiciness, use shredded pork as soon as possible.
Recipes for Shredded Pork Shoulder
Shredded pork shoulder is extremely versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use pulled pork:
Sandwiches
Pile tender shredded pork onto buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches. Serve them Memphis style with coleslaw, or Carolina style with barbecue sauce.
Tacos
The Mexican flavors of cilantro, lime, onion, and salsa complement shredded pork perfectly in tacos. Let guests build their own creations.
Nachos
Pulled pork nachos are the ultimate game day appetizer. Layer pork with tortilla chips, cheese, beans, salsa and any other favorite toppings.
Pizza
Top baked pizza crust with tangy barbecue sauce, shredded pork, red onion and cheddar cheese for an amazing pizza twist.
Salads
For a hearty main course salad, add shredded pork to fresh greens, vegetables, beans, cheese and ranch or vinaigrette dressing.
Soup
Simmer pulled pork in vegetable broth with onions, beans, tomatoes and spices for a satisfying soup.
The possibilities are endless for using tender, flavorful shredded pork shoulder!
Conclusion
Pork shoulder is a smart choice when you need an inexpensive cut of meat for shredding that becomes delectably tender. Cook it low and slow using a method like roasting, smoking, braising or slow cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F to 210°F. Allow the pork to rest before shredding it across the grain with two forks or stand mixer. Moisten it with cooking juices as you shred. Now you have mouthwatering pulled pork ready to star in enchiladas, sandwiches, mac and cheese, quesadillas, eggs rolls and more. With proper refrigeration, the shredded pork will keep for 3-4 days. Freezing lets you stock up so you can enjoy delicious pulled pork any time.