While the term ‘pork butt’ may lead you to believe it’s a rear-end delicacy, the truth is that this mouthwatering cut of pork comes from the pig’s shoulder – also known as the pork shoulder. This well-marbled and tender cut is perfect for slow-cooked recipes or pulled pork dishes, making it a staple for Sunday dinner.
In fact, if you’ve ever savored a delicious pulled pork taco or slow-cooked pork dish, chances are it was made with this very cut! To elevate your pork game, mastering the art of cooking pork butt is crucial. With numerous methods to try, I’m excited to share thirty-one delectable pork shoulder recipe ideas to get you started.
Instant Pot Pork Roast
For many, the pork roast remains a timeless and iconic way to prepare a pork shoulder. Its enduring popularity is no surprise, given its simplicity, versatility, and mouthwatering results.By employing the Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking capabilities, you can transform this hearty protein into a tender and flavorful delight in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. And when served atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, this show-stopping main course is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just seeking a crowd-pleasing dinner recipe, this pork roast is an absolute winner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Caramelized Pork
The quest for the perfect Instant Pot pork butt continues! This time, I’m on a mission to achieve that glorious caramelized glaze on top. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Not only does this recipe deliver unparalleled flavor, but the tender, fall-apart texture will leave you wanting more. The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes – a perfect blend that makes it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it with your go-to sides or experimenting with new pairings, this pork butt is sure to impress.
Chinese Pork BBQ
For those who have ever attempted to prepare char siu pork at home, it’s likely you’ve discovered its versatility as a topping for ramen or a companion to fried noodles. This beloved Chinese dish is now more accessible than ever thanks to the ease of cooking with an Instant Pot. In just one hour, you can create this mouthwatering delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you’re looking for other pressure cooker recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds, be sure to explore our collection of delectable options.
Braised Pork in Soy Sauce
Tender and flavorful, Tau Yew Bak – also known as Chinese braised pork – is the epitome of comfort food. The slow-cooked braise infuses the marbled meat with an aromatic flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. In Singapore, this hearty dish is a staple for weeknight meals, perfect for satisfying the whole family without requiring any elaborate culinary efforts.
Green Pork Tamales
Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional tamales with these mouthwatering green pork tamales, elevated by the tangy tomatillo sauce drizzled on top. The satisfying crunch of fresh corn husks and tender shredded pork combine to create a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Braised Pork Shoulder
For those seeking a satisfying and warming meal, this braised pork butt recipe is the perfect solution. The rich and thick sauce is infused with the flavors of France, England, and Italy, making it a true international culinary delight.
What’s more, this dish is a one-pot wonder that packs an impressive amount of flavor. Its versatility makes it ideal for slow-cooking throughout the week, allowing you to come home to a delicious meal that’s ready to be devoured.
Oven Roasted Pork Shoulder
When preparing an oven-roasted pork shoulder, the promise of a delicious crust of flavors baked onto the outside and tender, marbled meat on the inside is undeniable. This recipe’s unique blend of spices yields a distinctly Czech flavor profile, making it a perfect match for accompanying potato dumplings and a hearty serving of braised cabbage. In fact, this roast makes an excellent choice for special occasions, elevating any dinner party to new heights.
Instant Pot Pork Ragu
The essence of a well-crafted ragù lies not only in its rich flavor profile but also in the delightful textures it combines – tender pasta and velvety pork. This recipe is an exemplary demonstration of this harmony, where succulent shredded pork is masterfully intertwined with chewy, hand-cut pasta strips, all bathed in a sumptuous sauce that has been expertly coaxed to perfection within the Instant Pot’s 90-minute cooking time.
Pozole Rojo
For enthusiasts of Mexican cuisine, this recipe is a must-know. Pozole rojo, the red variant of a beloved Mexican staple, takes center stage with tender shredded pork shoulder as its main attraction. This hearty, wholesome soup combines tender hominy, rich pork, and an array of vegetables to create a warming and nourishing culinary experience that’s hard to resist.
Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs
Tired of struggling to get meat off the bone when enjoying ribs? Worry no more! Country-style boneless pork ribs offer a game-changing alternative that’s just as delicious. These tender and flavorful ribs are sure to satisfy your cravings, whether paired with a light side salad or crispy home fries.
Pepperoncini Pork Roast
For home cooks short on time, this recipe is a game-changer. By infusing Greek flavors into the dish, it adds a subtle warmth and herbaceousness that’s simply irresistible. What’s more, this slow-cooked masterpiece requires only minimal hands-on work and can be left to simmer for six to eight hours on low – making it the perfect Sunday roast option when you don’t want to put in too much elbow grease.
Jerk Pernil
Immersed in the vibrant flavors of Jamaica, this Jerk Pernil is an unparalleled culinary experience. The aromatic spice marinade infuses every bite with an explosion of flavor that tenderly balances boldness and nuance. While the exterior develops a tantalizing crust, the interior remains juicy and succulent, making each mouthful a delight. On a warm summer evening, this pork butt’s harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes is nothing short of sublime.
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork
When cooking with a Dutch oven, you’re in for a treat with this pulled pork recipe. The sealed container traps all the steam and flavors, resulting in incredibly tender meat. Once you’ve mastered this dish, the possibilities are endless – use it to create delectable sandwiches, tacos, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Vietnamese Pork Skewers
In Vietnamese cuisine, ‘Thit Nuong’ refers to a mouth-watering pork skewer dish that is both flavorful and tender. The secret to this recipe lies in slicing the pork thinly, ensuring it cooks rapidly and retains its juiciness. This impressive yet easy-to-make appetizer or main course is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any gathering where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.
Instant Pot Pork Chile Verde
While Chile verde may require some time to prepare, this recipe makes the process surprisingly straightforward. With just a few essential ingredients, including a reliable pork shoulder, you can whip up a satisfying Saturday dinner. This hearty dish is characterized by its pungent aroma and vibrant color, courtesy of an array of spices and aromatic compounds that infuse every bite with bold flavor.
Slow Cooker Pork Butt Recipes
Porchetta Spiced Pulled Pork
Porchetta-spiced pulled pork is the first slow cooker delight on our list, and it’s a game-changer. This super tender and flavorful variation of slow-cooked pork owes its rich taste to an abundance of spices. The primary notes in this blend are fennel seeds, garlic, and rosemary, with just a hint of heat that can be adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this mouthwatering meat recipe is sure to impress.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
If Mexican cuisine is a staple in your culinary repertoire, it’s crucial to have pork carnitas as a reliable recipe up your sleeve. This hands-off, slow-cooked masterpiece requires mere minutes of prep time – just five, to be exact – and an astonishing eight hours of gentle simmering.
Simply combine the necessary ingredients in your trusty slow cooker, then let the magic unfold as the flavors meld together. The end result is nothing short of remarkable, perfect for piling onto tacos, sandwiches, burritos, or any other creative culinary endeavor that strikes your fancy.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Indulge in tender and juicy slow-cooked pulled pork burgers that exude a deep, rich flavor profile, elevated by a sweet and smoky sauce. This effortless recipe requires minimal prep time, allowing you to simply combine the ingredients and let them simmer for 8-10 hours, resulting in a mouthwatering treat.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Indulging in pulled pork tacos offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience. The tender, shredded meat soaks up the tangy sauce with reckless abandon, harmoniously juxtaposed against the soft taco shell and a burst of fresh salsa. This delectable treat is sure to delight the entire family, best served with a dollop of salsa, some crunchy chopped veggies, and a squeeze of lime juice for added zest. As the perfect light dinner recipe for a sultry summer evening, these tacos are sure to quench your hunger and leave you craving more.
Beer Pulled Pork
Pulled pork gets a delightful twist with the incorporation of beer into its cooking process. A liquid component is essential in any pulled pork recipe, and this particular variation employs beer’s richness to significantly reduce prep time while amplifying flavor. The combination of dark brown sugar, mustard, and spice mix yields a delectable sauce that’s sure to become a favorite.
Whole30 Pulled Pork
For those embarking on a Whole30 journey, pulled pork is an excellent protein option for meal prep. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – you can cook a large batch at once and portion it out throughout the week, significantly reducing your time and stress commitment.
Slow Cooker Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
Café Rio’s pulled pork recipe is renowned for its delectable sweet pork sauce. Fortunately, you can easily recreate this mouthwatering condiment at home with just six ingredients and a brief preparation time. The secret to achieving this tender and flavorful sauce lies in the use of Coca-Cola. The natural sugars and effervescence in the soda play a crucial role in breaking down the pork, adding flavor, and imparting a sticky texture.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork in Mojo Sauce
For those seeking a reliable weeknight dinner solution, the legendary mojo sauce delivers. This incredibly adaptable meal is so tantalizing that you’ll find yourself lingering over each bite. To simplify cooking for busy individuals who crave quick results, this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is an absolute must-try. With minimal effort required, the outcome is well worth the wait.
Jamaican Jerk Pork Shoulder
With both oven and slow cooker options available, this mouthwatering pork recipe is adaptable to your preferred cooking method. Perfect for a summer gathering or special occasion, the dish boasts an impressive level of flavor and succulence. However, it’s essential to plan ahead as the pork requires overnight marination in jerk spices to achieve its tender, juicy, and fall-apart texture.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Pork Butt
Another delicious pork butt recipe that’s sure to please is one that incorporates the deep flavors of beer and the spicy warmth of chipotle peppers. This rich and bold dish is perfect for meal prep, as it allows you to slow-cook the pork butt to tender perfection and then use it in a variety of dishes throughout the week.
Cherry Coca-Cola Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked pulled pork that’s both sweet and savory is the ultimate comfort food experience. The secret to its tender, fall-apart texture lies in the unique combination of flavors, where cherry-flavored Coca-Cola tenderizes the meat while adding a layer of sticky sweetness. This mouthwatering recipe is perfect for sandwich lovers, salad enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys indulging in a hearty baked potato topped with a generous helping of this delectable pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork
The allure of Hawaiian flavors lies in their boldness and ability to deliver on promise. This slow-cooked pork recipe is no exception – its tender texture is so divine that it practically melts in your mouth. The sweet and tangy notes meld together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
This slow-cooked masterpiece can be enjoyed on a bun, but its versatility knows no bounds. Try serving it atop sticky rice for a delightful poke bowl experience.
Smoked Pork Butt Recipes
Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich
Indulge in the unparalleled richness of smoked pulled pork, where the depth of flavor is elevated by an unparalleled notch. Although it demands a bit more time and effort upfront, the tender, juicy meat makes every moment worthwhile.
This indulgent sandwich requires around a day to prepare, with twelve hours devoted to marinating and another twelve spent smoking, allowing the bold flavors to meld together in harmony.
Smoked Tacos Al Pastor
For taco enthusiasts, this smoked pork recipe embodies the essence of a perfect taco – juicy, bold, and bursting with flavor. The best part? Assembling these mouthwatering tacos is a breeze once your pulled pork is ready. To make mealtime even more manageable, I suggest preparing your pulled pork in advance to conserve energy at night. Not only will it save you time, but the right sauce can also help keep it tender and fresh for later use.
Smoked BBQ Pork Sliders
When seeking an authentic, slow-cooked smoked pork butt recipe, look no further. By employing the power of a smoker and carefully selected apple wood chips, you’ll be rewarded with a tender, sweet, and succulent final product that’s perfect for serving as juicy pork sliders or paired with a tangy drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce.
Smoked Carnitas
As we bring this culinary journey to a close, it’s only fitting that we conclude with one of the most indulgent ways to savor smoked pork shoulder: carnitas tacos. The harmonious marriage of tender pulled pork and crispy taco shell is nothing short of sublime. Elevate the experience by pairing it with a rich chipotle sauce and the satisfying crunch of radish, ensuring each bite is a masterclass in flavor and texture.