Red Meat · The Cooking Guide

Pork Shoulder

Large, well-marbled cut from the upper shoulder. Also called Boston butt or pork butt. Perfect for pulled pork and slow roasting.

Methods

How to cook pork shoulder

Slow Roasting

Slow Roasting Pork Shoulder

Cook Time
3h - 9h
2-6 lb / 1-2.5 kg
Portion Weight
0.3 lb / 5 oz / 140 g
Per adult serving
Oven Temperature
300°F / 150°C
Internal Temperature
150-160°F / 65-70°C
Safe to Well Done

Smoking

Smoking Pork Shoulder

Cook Time
3h30min - 10h30min
2-6 lb / 1-2.5 kg
Portion Weight
0.3 lb / 5 oz / 140 g
Per adult serving
Smoker Temperature
225°F / 105°C
Internal Temperature
150-160°F / 65-70°C
Safe to Well Done

Braising

Braising Pork Shoulder

Cook Time
3h
Portion Weight
0.3 lb / 5 oz / 140 g
Per adult serving
Cooking Temperature
300°F / 150°C
Internal Temperature
150-160°F / 65-70°C
Safe to Well Done

Doneness

Temperature Guide

DonenessTemperatureDescription
Safe150°F / 65°CSlightly pink center is acceptable
Well Done160°F / 70°CNo pink remaining, fully cooked through

Safety

Cooking pork shoulder safely

Cook to proper internal temperature

Use food thermometer

When in doubt, use a food thermometer, it's the only reliable way to know your pork shoulder is safely cooked.