When buying and cooking pork butt vs pork roast, you’ll want to know the differences for each one, what they’re best used for, how to select the best cut, and how to store them. We’ll walk you through each one to help you be the most successful.
The Difference Between Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder
The difference between pork butt and pork shoulder can be a challenge to understand if you haven’t done a bit of research.
Pork butt is not from the rear of the pig, like you might conclude from its name. Pork shoulder is from only part of the shoulder. Confused? We’ll clear up the difference between these two cuts.
Where Do Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder Come From?
Pork butt and pork shoulder both come from the same area of the pig, including the front leg and shoulder area.
What is Pork Butt
Pork butt is also known as Boston Butt and it comes from the upper cut of the front shoulder area of pork. Pork butt is a desirable cut of meat for pulled pork and BBQ pork.
What is Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder is also known as Picnic Shoulder and it comes from the lower leg or shoulder portion of the front area of pork. Pork shoulder is a desirable cut of meat for pork roast and sliced pork.
Notes
When to Use Pork Butt Since there’s a difference in pork butt vs pork shoulder, you’ll want to know the best ways to use each one. Pork butt is best for:pulled pork stewing braising tacosWhen to Use Pork Shoulder Pork shoulder, being a tougher cut of meat and somewhat drier in consistency is best for:pork roast sliced meat tacos
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