When it comes to cooking with pork butt, the possibilities are endless. This versatile cut of meat is known for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether you’re looking to create a comforting classic or experiment with bold new flavors, pork butt is sure to please.

One of the most popular ways to prepare pork butt is by slow cooking it to perfection. This method allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy, while also infusing it with delicious flavors. You can use your slow cooker or oven to achieve this, and the options for seasonings and sauces are endless. From traditional barbecue to Asian-inspired glazes, your taste buds won’t be disappointed.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, why not try making pulled pork sandwiches? This American classic is typically made with pork butt that has been slow cooked and then shredded. It’s often served on a soft bun with tangy barbecue sauce and coleslaw, creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty weeknight meal, pulled pork sandwiches are always a hit.

The Best Recipes for Pork Butt

If you have a pork butt and wondering what delicious dishes you can make with it, look no further! Here are some of the best recipes that will satisfy your taste buds.

1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

One of the most popular ways to cook pork butt is by making pulled pork sandwiches. Slow-cook the pork butt until it’s tender and easily shredded. Pile the juicy pulled pork on a bun and top it with your favorite barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a mouthwatering meal.

2. Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas tacos are a crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to use pork butt. Slow-cook the pork until it’s tender and then shred it. Heat up corn tortillas and fill them with the juicy carnitas. Top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious and flavorful taco.

3. Pork Stew

Pork butt is a great choice for making a hearty and comforting pork stew. Cut the pork butt into chunks and brown them in a pot. Add in onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and your favorite herbs and spices. Simmer on low heat for hours until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together.

4. Barbecue Ribs

Pork butt can also be used to make tender and flavorful barbecue ribs. Slow cook the pork butt until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Cut the meat into individual ribs and brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Grill or bake the ribs until caramelized and enjoy a finger-licking good meal.

5. Pulled Pork Nachos

Create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack with pulled pork nachos. Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with shredded pork butt, cheese, jalapenos, and any other desired toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a tasty treat.

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These are just a few of the countless recipes you can make with pork butt. Whether you’re craving sandwiches, tacos, stews, ribs, or nachos, pork butt is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that will elevate any dish.

Smoked Pork Butt Recipe

Smoking pork butt is a delicious and flavorful way to cook this versatile cut of meat. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this smoked pork butt recipe will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 pound pork butt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using your preferred wood chips for smoking.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to create a dry rub.
  3. Trim any excessive fat from the pork butt, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist during the smoking process.
  4. Massage the dry rub onto the pork butt, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.
  5. Place the pork butt in the smoker and let it smoke for approximately 1 hour per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C).
  6. Once cooked, remove the pork butt from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. Using two forks, shred the smoked pork butt, discarding any excess fat or bone.
  8. Serve the smoked pork butt as a main dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos.

Enjoy the tender and flavorful smoked pork butt with your favorite barbecue sauce and a side of coleslaw for a true Southern-style feast.

Pulled Pork Tacos with Pork Butt

One delicious way to use pork butt is to make pulled pork tacos. The combination of tender, juicy pork and flavorful toppings creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to be a hit.

Here is a simple recipe for pulled pork tacos using pork butt:

  1. Start by seasoning the pork butt with a dry rub of your choice. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and brown sugar.
  2. Place the seasoned pork butt in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until it is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  3. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
  4. For the taco toppings, you can use traditional options like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and chopped onions. You can also get creative and add ingredients like avocado slices, pickled jalapenos, or crumbled queso fresco.
  5. Warm up your tortillas by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. This will make them pliable and help prevent them from tearing.
  6. To assemble the tacos, spoon some of the pulled pork onto each tortilla and top with your desired toppings. Squeeze some lime juice over the tacos for an extra burst of freshness.
  7. Serve the pulled pork tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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These pulled pork tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. The tender and flavorful pork combined with the variety of toppings creates a delicious and customizable dish that everyone will love.

Pork Butt Carnitas Recipe

Looking for a delicious and tender pork dish to satisfy your cravings? Try this flavorful Pork Butt Carnitas recipe! Made with succulent pork butt, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or to impress your guests at a dinner party.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 pounds of pork butt
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin
  • 2 teaspoons of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of orange juice
  • 1/4 cup of lime juice
  • Tortillas, for serving
  • Optional toppings: diced onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Pat the pork butt dry with paper towels and cut it into large chunks.
  3. In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they start to soften.
  5. Add the pork butt chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the pork butt and stir well to coat all the pieces.
  8. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, and give everything a good stir.
  9. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  10. Cook the pork butt for about 3 to 4 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  11. Remove the pot from the oven and use two forks to shred the pork butt into smaller pieces.
  12. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until some of the liquid has evaporated.
  13. Heat up your tortillas and serve the shredded pork carnitas with your choice of toppings.

Enjoy these delicious Pork Butt Carnitas as tacos, burritos, or even in a bowl with rice and beans. The options are endless!

Tip: If you want to add a touch of smokiness to your Pork Butt Carnitas, consider adding a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a few diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the spice mixture.

Slow Cooker Pork Butt Roast

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork butt, look no further than the slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for a slow cooker pork butt roast that will have your taste buds begging for more.

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Ingredients:

  • 4-5 pounds of pork butt
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  • 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl to create a dry rub.
  2. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt, making sure to coat it evenly.
  3. Place the pork butt in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over it.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  6. You can serve the pork butt roast as is, or you can shred it using two forks for pulled pork.
  7. Enjoy your slow cooker pork butt roast with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.

This slow cooker pork butt roast recipe is perfect for a Sunday dinner or any occasion when you want a flavorful and fuss-free meal. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork is tender and flavorful, and the dry rub adds a delicious combination of spices. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this tasty pork dish!

Q&A

What are some popular recipes to make with pork butt?

There are many popular recipes to make with pork butt. Some examples include pulled pork sandwiches, carnitas, pork tacos, pork stir-fry, and slow-cooked pork stew.

How long should I cook pork butt in the slow cooker?

The cooking time for pork butt in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the cut and the desired tenderness. As a general guideline, you can cook a 3 to 4-pound pork butt on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 4 to 6 hours.

What is the best way to tenderize pork butt?

The best way to tenderize pork butt is to marinate it overnight in a mixture of your choice, such as a combination of apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. You can also use a meat mallet to physically tenderize the meat before cooking.

Can I grill pork butt?

Yes, you can grill pork butt. It is recommended to first cook the pork butt in the oven or a slow cooker until it is almost fully cooked, and then finish it on the grill to achieve a nice charred and smoky flavor.

What are some alternative cuts of pork that can be used instead of pork butt?

Some alternative cuts of pork that can be used instead of pork butt include pork shoulder, pork loin, pork belly, and pork tenderloin. These cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time and method, but can still yield delicious results.