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December 10, 2024
Are you a fan of succulent, tender, and flavorful meat? One of the best ways to achieve this is by cooking a Boston butt in a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. The Boston butt, despite its name, is actually a pork shoulder cut that comes from the upper part of the shoulder. It is a versatile and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooking.
Slow cooking in a crock pot allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for future meals, cooking a Boston butt in a crock pot is a convenient and delicious option.
To begin, you’ll want to season the Boston butt with your favorite spices and herbs. A combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. You can also add a bit of liquid, such as broth or apple cider, to help keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
Once seasoned, place the Boston butt in the crock pot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender and easily shredable. Once the meat is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or slicing.
Tip: If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can transfer the shredded or sliced meat to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until it becomes golden and crispy.
Whether you’re planning a barbecue or simply want a delicious and easy meal, cooking a Boston butt in the crock pot is a foolproof way to achieve tender and flavorful meat every time. So go ahead, get your slow cooker ready, and enjoy a mouthwatering Boston butt meal!
Prepare the Boston Butt
Before cooking your Boston Butt in the crock pot, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:
1. Gather your ingredients
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand before starting. For cooking a Boston Butt, you will need:
- 1 Boston Butt (around 3-5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- Optional: your favorite barbecue sauce
2. Trim the excess fat
Boston Butt usually comes with a thick layer of fat on one side. While this fat adds flavor, you may want to trim off some excess to prevent the meat from becoming too greasy. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any excess fat on the surface.
3. Season the meat
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to create a dry rub. Rub the mixture all over the Boston Butt, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
Pro Tip: Allow the Boston Butt to sit with the dry rub on for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Note: If you prefer a saucier result, you can skip the dry rub and instead opt to marinate the Boston Butt in your favorite barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking.
Once you have prepared the Boston Butt, it’s ready to be cooked in the crock pot. Follow the remaining steps of your recipe to achieve a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone tender result.
Trim excess fat
Before cooking the Boston butt in the crock pot, it is important to trim off any excess fat. This will help prevent the meat from becoming too greasy and will also result in a more flavorful and juicy end result.
Season with rub
Once your Boston butt is ready to be cooked, it’s time to season it with a flavorful rub. This step is crucial to enhance the taste of the meat and add layers of delicious flavors.
Ingredients for the rub:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
To make the rub, simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar for an even distribution.
Once the rub is ready, generously coat all sides of the Boston butt with it. Gently pat the rub onto the meat to ensure it sticks. You can also massage it into the meat for deeper penetration of flavors.
After seasoning the Boston butt, place it in the slow cooker insert. If desired, you can let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight for even more flavor infusion.
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat and the rub to prevent cross-contamination.
Suggested combination:
If you want to add more depth to the rub, you can combine different spices and herbs. For example, you can substitute some of the dried thyme with rosemary or add a pinch of ground cloves for a touch of warmth.
Experiment with different flavor combinations to find the one that suits your taste buds the best.
Extra tip:
If you prefer a spicier rub, increase the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference. Just be cautious not to overpower the other flavors.
Once the Boston butt is seasoned with the rub, it’s ready to go into the crock pot for a slow and flavorful cooking process.
Sear the meat
Before cooking the Boston butt in the crock pot, it is recommended to sear the meat. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish.
Step 1: Preheat a skillet
Start by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat. Choose a skillet that is large enough to fit the Boston butt comfortably. You may need to sear the meat in batches if it is too big for your skillet.
Step 2: Season the meat
While the skillet is heating up, season the Boston butt with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Sear the meat
Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil or fat to prevent sticking. Carefully place the seasoned Boston butt in the skillet and let it sear for a few minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a golden brown crust on the exterior of the meat.
Use tongs or a spatula to flip the meat and sear all sides evenly. Be cautious of any hot oil splatters and adjust the heat if necessary. The searing process should take approximately 10 minutes in total.
Once the meat is nicely seared, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to the crock pot.
Note:
If you prefer not to sear the meat, you can skip this step and directly place the seasoned Boston butt into the crock pot. However, searing is highly recommended as it enhances the flavor and texture of the final dish.
Set up the Crock Pot
First, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:
- 1 Boston butt (also known as pork shoulder) weighing approximately 4-6 pounds
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of pepper
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
- 1 crock pot (slow cooker)
Next, place the crock pot on a clean and level surface. Make sure it is close to an electrical outlet for easy access.
After that, line the bottom of the crock pot with a slow cooker liner or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Now, place the Boston butt in the crock pot and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat to ensure it is evenly coated.
Pour the chicken broth or water into the crock pot, making sure not to wash away the seasoning. The liquid will help keep the meat moist during cooking.
Finally, cover the crock pot with its lid and plug it into the electrical outlet. Make sure the temperature setting is on “low” for slow cooking.
Add liquid
Once you have seasoned your boston butt, it’s time to add the right amount of liquid. This step is essential to ensure that your meat stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Choose a liquid that will compliment the flavors of your seasoning. Beef broth, chicken broth, or even a can of soda can be used as a liquid for added flavor. You can also add some barbecue sauce if you prefer a tangy taste.
Add enough liquid to cover about half of the meat. This will help to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. It’s important not to add too much liquid, as it can dilute the flavors. The meat will release its own juices as it cooks, so the additional liquid is meant to enhance those flavors.
Make sure to pour the liquid around the sides of the crock pot, and not directly on top of the meat. This will help to evenly distribute the liquid and prevent the seasoning from being washed away.
Once the liquid is added, cover the crock pot with a lid and set the temperature to low. Let the boston butt cook for several hours, until it is tender and falling apart.
Adding the right amount of liquid to your boston butt in the crock pot is crucial for achieving a juicy and flavorful result. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to cooking a delicious and tender boston butt.
Q&A
What is a Boston Butt?
A Boston Butt is a cut of pork that comes from the upper shoulder of the pig. It is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that is often used for pulled pork.
What other names are used for a Boston Butt?
A Boston Butt is also referred to as a pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork shoulder butt. These terms are used interchangeably.
How long does it take to cook a Boston Butt in a crock pot?
Cooking a Boston Butt in a crock pot typically takes around 8 to 10 hours on low heat. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender and juicy.