When buying a bone-in pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt or pork butt, one of the first questions many home cooks and chefs have is “How much meat will I end up with after cooking and removing the bone?” The amount of edible cooked meat you get from a bone-in pork shoulder can vary quite a bit depending on a few key factors.
Typical Raw Bone-In Pork Shoulder Sizes
First, it’s helpful to understand the range of sizes for bone-in pork shoulders. Here are some of the most common sizes you’ll see:
| Raw Bone-In Pork Shoulder Weight | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 5 pounds | 11 x 5 inches |
| 7 pounds | 12 x 6 inches |
| 10 pounds | 13 x 7 inches |
As you can see, bone-in pork shoulder sizes at the store generally range from about 5 to 10 pounds. The bones make up a significant portion of the raw weight. For a 7-8 pound pork shoulder, the bone may account for 2 pounds or more.
Yield Percentage After Cooking
In general, you can expect a 25-30% loss in weight after cooking a bone-in pork shoulder. This means if you start with a 10 pound raw shoulder, you may end up with around 7 pounds of edible cooked meat after removing the bone and trimming excess fat.
Here are some example starting weights and the approximate cooked meat yields:
| Raw Weight | Approx. Cooked Meat Yield |
|---|---|
| 5 pounds | 3.5 – 4 pounds |
| 7 pounds | 5 – 5.5 pounds |
| 10 pounds | 7 – 7.5 pounds |
These yield amounts can vary based on factors like the specific cut of meat and amount of fat and bone. But in general, plan on getting around 70-75% of the raw weight in edible cooked meat.
Factors That Affect Meat Yield
There are a few key things that can affect how much cooked meat you end up with from a bone-in pork shoulder:
1. Amount of Bone
Some bone-in pork shoulder cuts will have a larger bone than others. Meat closer to the bone also tends to cook down more than meat further from the bone. Shoulders with bigger bones will yield a lower percentage of edible cooked meat compared to the raw weight.
2. Fat Cap
Pork shoulders with a thicker outer fat cap tend to lose more weight during cooking and trimming. A thin fat cap will result in a higher yield percentage.
3. Cooking Method
The cooking method you use can significantly impact moisture loss during cooking. Methods like braising, stewing, or slow cooking will lead to less moisture loss compared to roasting or grilling. Higher moisture retention equals a higher cooked meat yield.
4. Internal Temperature
Cooking the pork shoulder to a higher internal temperature will cause more moisture to be lost as fat and collagen melt and the meat fibers tighten. Cooked to a lower internal temperature, like 140-145°F, the pork shoulder will retain more moisture and you’ll end up with a higher edible meat yield.
How to Maximize Meat Yield
If your goal is to maximize the amount of cooked meat you get from a bone-in pork shoulder, here are a few tips:
- Choose a shoulder with a thinner fat cap
- Look for cuts with a smaller, leaner bone
- Use moist cooking methods like braising or slow roasting
- Cook to a lower internal temp (140-145°F) if safe to do so
- Let meat rest before weighing final yield
Options for Leftover Cooked Pork
After cooking up a bone-in pork shoulder, you may be wondering what to do with any leftover cooked meat. Here are some delicious options for using up extra pulled pork or shredded pork shoulder:
Pork Tacos or Burritos
Chop or shred the cooked pork shoulder and use it as a taco or burrito filling along with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, lettuce, etc.
Enchiladas
Roll up the shredded pork with some cheese, onions, and peppers in tortillas and bake with enchilada sauce for amazing enchiladas.
Pork Salad
Toss shredded pork with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or vinaigrette. Top a salad with the pork along with cheese, beans, salsa, or other mix-ins you enjoy.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pile pulled pork shoulder on buns and add your choice of barbeque sauce, slaw, and other toppings for classic pulled pork sandwiches.
Breakfast Hash
Combine chopped pork with potatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs for an easy breakfast hash.
Pork and Rice Bowls
Build a bowl with warm rice, shredded pork shoulder, sautéed veggies, avocado, and spices for a simple, healthy meal.
Soups or Chilis
Add shredded pork to vegetable soup, bean chili, or pasta sauce for extra heartiness and protein.
The possibilities are endless! Having leftover cooked pork on hand makes assembling quick, delicious meals a breeze.
Tips for Storing Leftover Pork
To safely store leftover cooked pork shoulder:
- Let pork cool completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours
- Store pork in airtight, shallow containers to allow for fast chilling
- Use pork within 3-4 days for best quality and safety
- Freeze pulled pork for longer storage (up to 2-3 months)
- Reheat pork thoroughly to 165°F before eating
With proper storage, leftover pulled pork or shredded pork shoulder will keep for several days in the fridge or a few months in the freezer.
Buying Bone-In Pork Shoulder
When shopping for a bone-in pork shoulder, keep a few things in mind:
- Choose a shoulder between 7-10 pounds to yield 5-7 pounds cooked meat
- Select a cut with a moderate fat cap (about 1/4 inch thick)
- Look for uniform shape and color without large seams of fat
- For best value, buy bone-in over de-boned pork shoulder
- Plan 1/2 to 3/4 pound raw meat per person
A properly butchered bone-in pork shoulder with a moderate fat cap provides the most meat for your money. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 pound per serving for delicious pulled pork meals.
Conclusion
When cooked properly, a bone-in pork shoulder can yield a good amount of succulent, flavorful pulled pork. Plan on getting around 70-75% of the raw weight in edible meat after cooking and removing the bone. A 7-8 pound raw shoulder will typically give you 5-6 pounds cooked meat for serving. Follow proper food safety guidelines for storing any leftovers. With its great value and versatility, bone-in pork shoulder is a fantastic option for pulled pork meals and recipes.