Pork picnic roast, also known simply as pork picnic, is an economical cut of pork that comes from the upper part of the front leg of the pig. It is a moderately tough cut with a good amount of connective tissue, which requires long, slow cooking to become tender. When cooked properly, pork picnic can be very flavorful and makes a wonderful addition to a variety of dishes.
What cut of meat is pork picnic roast?
Pork picnic roast comes from the upper portion of the front leg of the pig. It consists of parts of the shoulder and foreleg, including the arm picnic, arm shoulder picnic, and blade Boston roast. It may sometimes be sold with the skin on or off. This is an inexpensive, tougher cut that benefits greatly from slow roasting or braising to break down the connective tissue.
What does pork picnic roast taste like?
When cooked properly, pork picnic roast is moist and flavorful with a rich, meaty taste. The high collagen content in the connective tissue melts during slow cooking, leaving the meat very tender and juicy. The flavor has similarities to other pork shoulder cuts like pork butt or Boston butt roast, but may be slightly less tender due to its location further down on the leg.
How long to cook pork picnic roast?
Pork picnic roast needs to cook low and slow to break down the connective tissue and become tender. The cooking time can vary depending on the exact size and shape of the roast, but plan on cooking it approximately:
- Roasted: 325°F oven for 3-4 hours
- Braised: Covered in liquid on stovetop or in oven at 300°F for 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hours
- Slow cooker: Low heat for 7-8 hours
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of at least 145°F. The meat should be very fork tender when done.
What’s the best way to cook pork picnic roast?
Because it is a tougher cut, pork picnic roast does best when cooked with moist heat for a long time. The top recommended cooking methods include:
- Braising: Brown the roast all over, then simmer in broth or other liquid until fork tender.
- Roasting: Season well and roast uncovered in the oven at a low temp until tender.
- Slow cooker: Add flavorful liquid like broth, wine or barbecue sauce and cook on low 7-8 hours.
- Smoking: Rub with spices and smoke for 6-8 hours until tender.
How to cook pork picnic roast in the oven
Roasting pork picnic roast uncovered in the oven is easy and infuses it with delicious flavor. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Pat roast dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and other spices or herbs.
- Place fat side up in a roasting pan and do not cover.
- Roast 3-4 hours until fork tender and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing across the grain to serve.
How to cook pork picnic roast in a slow cooker
Using a slow cooker or Crock-Pot is a hands off way to cook picnic roast until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Here’s how:
- Trim excess fat from the roast if needed.
- Place roast in slow cooker and add flavorful liquid like broth, barbecue sauce, etc.
- Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours until very tender.
- Remove roast, let rest briefly, then shred or slice against the grain before serving.
How to cook pork picnic roast in an instant pot
An instant pot or other electric pressure cooker makes quick work of usually time consuming pork picnic roast. Follow these steps:
- Choose picnic roast and pat dry, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sear roast well on all sides in instant pot on sauté mode.
- Add 1 cup broth or water.
- Pressure cook 40-50 minutes until tender.
- Use natural release, then shred pork or slice to serve.
How to braise pork picnic roast
Braising is ideal for less tender cuts like picnic roast. Braise on the stovetop or in the oven:
- Stovetop: Brown roast all over, then cook covered in broth at a simmer until tender, about 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
- Oven: Brown roast first, then cook covered in liquid at 300°F for 2 1/2-3 1/2 hours until tender.
What goes well with pork picnic roast?
The savory, succulent pork pairs deliciously with many side dishes and ingredients. Consider serving it with:
- Potatoes or root vegetables – roast, mash, etc
- Rice, polenta, or pasta
- Coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni salad
- Cornbread, biscuits, or rolls
- Applesauce, cranberry sauce, or chutney
Pork picnic also works well in a variety of recipes like:
- BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
- Tacos, burritos, and nachos
- Soups, stews, and chilis
- Casseroles and pot pies
- Quesadillas, sliders, and flatbreads
What to do with leftover pork picnic roast?
No need to waste any leftover pork picnic roast! Get creative and use it in dishes like:
- Pork fried rice – shred meat and stir fry with rice, veggies, and soy sauce.
- BBQ sandwiches – shred and mix with barbecue sauce.
- Breakfast scramble – dice and add to eggs, potatoes, peppers, etc.
- Enchiladas – stuff tortillas with shredded pork and top with sauce and cheese.
- Soup – add shredded meat to bean, vegetable, or tomato soup.
Can you freeze pork picnic roast?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to save leftover cooked pork picnic roast. Here are some tips:
- Let roast cool completely before freezing.
- Portion into airtight bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Add some broth or sauce to keep moist.
- Label package with contents and date.
- Freeze up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Raw picnic roast can also be frozen:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze up to 4 months.
- Thaw in fridge before cooking.
Conclusion
Pork picnic roast is a budget-friendly cut that delivers tender, juicy meat with robust pork flavor when cooked properly using moist heat. Roasting, braising in the oven or stovetop, or using a slow cooker or instant pot allows this tougher cut to become succulent and delicious. Pork picnic roast pairs well with a variety of sides and ingredients to make comforting family meals. Leftover cooked roast also has many uses like sandwiches, tacos, fried rice, soup and more.