Pulled pork is a popular barbecue dish that is made by slow cooking pork shoulder or other pork roasts until the meat easily shreds. The flavorful, tender pulled pork is then used for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more. While traditional pulled pork starts with a pork butt or shoulder, some people wonder if they can use other cuts of pork, like a picnic ham, to make pulled pork. Here is a look at whether a picnic ham can substitute for a pork shoulder in pulled pork recipes.
What is a Picnic Ham?
A picnic ham, also known as a pork cushion ham or pork shoulder arm picnic roast, is a specific cut of pork that comes from the upper part of the front leg. It contains a portion of the shoulder as well as a portion of the arm.
The picnic ham is a more economical cut than a pork shoulder roast. It also contains a significant amount of connective tissue and fat, which helps to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
While a whole pork shoulder usually weighs 8 to 10 pounds, a picnic ham tends to be smaller at 4 to 8 pounds. The meat is very flavorful with great marbling from the fat.
Can You Use a Picnic Ham for Pulled Pork?
Yes, a picnic ham can absolutely be used to make delicious pulled pork. Since it contains meat from the pork shoulder, it has the fat and connective tissue needed to break down into tender, shred-able pulled pork with the right cooking method.
The main steps for making pulled pork with a picnic ham are:
Season the Meat
Generously rub the picnic ham all over with a dry spice rub. Use spices like brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The spices will give great flavor to the pork as it cooks.
Slow Cook the Ham
Place the seasoned picnic ham into a slow cooker and add some liquid like apple cider vinegar, chicken or vegetable broth, or barbecue sauce. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours until extremely tender and falling apart.
Shred the Pork
Remove the picnic ham from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any bones, fat, or gristle.
Toss the Pulled Pork
Put the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and toss with more barbecue sauce. You now have tender, juicy pulled pork that is ready to use!
The low, slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in the picnic ham, leaving meat that pulls apart easily. The flavor from the spices, cooking liquid, and pork fat all gets absorbed into the meat as well.
Benefits of Using a Picnic Ham for Pulled Pork
There are a few advantages to using a picnic ham instead of a pork butt or shoulder for pulled pork:
- Lower cost – Picnic hams are less expensive per pound than pork shoulder.
- Smaller size – A picnic ham can feed a smaller gathering than a full-size pork shoulder.
- Leaner option – Since a picnic ham contains some loin meat, it is a bit lower in fat than a shoulder.
- More flavorful – The arm meat contains lots of connective tissue, which makes the pulled pork extra moist and tender.
For a cheaper and quicker pulled pork option, a picnic ham is a great alternative to pork butt.
Disadvantages of Using a Picnic Ham
However, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind when using a picnic ham instead of pork shoulder:
- Less meat – Picnic hams weigh significantly less than pork butts, so you get a smaller quantity of finished pulled pork.
- Bones – Since it contains part of the shoulder, a picnic ham has a round humerus bone that needs removing before shredding.
- Less fat – The leaner meat may lead to slightly drier pulled pork.
- Longer cook time – The collagen-rich picnic ham can take even longer to break down into tender pulled pork.
While picnic hams work beautifully for pulled pork, pork butts are optimized specifically for shredding and absorbing flavors.
Tips for Making Tender Pulled Pork from a Picnic Ham
To ensure moist, fall-apart pulled pork using a picnic ham, follow these helpful tips:
- Cook it low and slow – Use a slow cooker on low or cook in the oven at 225°F to 300°F for best results.
- Add moisture – Use lots of liquid like broth, vinegar, juice or beer in the cooking process.
- Remove the bone – Take out the round bone before shredding to prevent unwanted chunks.
- Rest before shredding – Let the cooked ham rest 15 minutes before pulling so juices redistribute.
- Toss with sauce – Mix in barbecue sauce, juices or stock after shredding to moisten.
Taking the time to properly cook and shred the picnic ham will give you fantastic homemade pulled pork.
Best Recipes for Pulled Pork Using a Picnic Ham
These delicious recipes are specifically designed to turn a picnic ham into fork-tender pulled pork:
Slow Cooker Cola Pulled Pork
Cook the picnic ham with cola, spices, vinegar, and chicken broth in a slow cooker. The acidic cola helps tenderize the meat. Shred and toss with barbecue sauce for sweet, tangy pulled pork.
Easy Oven Pulled Pork
Rub a picnic ham with a spice blend, then roast low and slow in the oven until fall-apart tender. Finish by mixing the shredded pork with a homemade vinegar sauce.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork
In the slow cooker, combine a picnic ham with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Shred the ultra-tender pork and serve on Hawaiian rolls.
Pulled Pork Nachos
For an appetizer recipe, season a small picnic ham with taco seasoning and shredded in the slow cooker. Pile the pork on tortilla chips and top with cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making pulled pork with a picnic ham:
Can you use a smoked picnic ham?
Yes, you can use a smoked or pre-cooked picnic ham for pulled pork. Reduce the cooking time to 4-6 hours to heat through and tenderize without overcooking the meat.
How long does it take to cook a picnic ham?
In a slow cooker, plan on 8-10 hours on low. In the oven at 250°F, allow 1-1.5 hours per pound, so a 5 pound ham takes 5-7.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 200°F.
Should you remove the bone from a picnic ham before cooking?
No, leave the bone in during cooking to allow the meat to become tender and flavorful. Carefully remove the bone after cooking before shredding and serving the pork.
Can you use Dr Pepper or another soda to make pulled pork?
Yes, Dr Pepper, Coke, Pepsi and other sodas add great caramelized flavor to pulled pork. Pour 12 ounces of soda over the meat in the slow cooker.
What wood is best for smoking a picnic ham?
For smoking a picnic ham low and slow, use wood chips or chunks of hickory, oak, apple, pecan, or cherry. Soak the wood first in water for 30 minutes before adding to the smoker.
Conclusion
While pork shoulder is the traditional cut used for pulled pork, the similar picnic ham can also be shredded into juicy, smokey pulled pork. Choose a well-marbled picnic ham and cook it slowly with plenty of added moisture. Allow ample time for the connective tissue to break down so the meat pulls apart easily. With the right cooking method and some barbecue sauce tossed in at the end, a picnic ham makes a delicious budget-friendly alternative for homemade pulled pork.