Pork Boston butt, also known as pork shoulder, is one of my favorite cuts of pork to roast in the oven. When cooked properly, it transforms from a tough cut into tender, pull-apart meat that’s loaded with flavor.
Cooking a Boston butt roast is actually pretty easy, as long as you follow some simple guidelines. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through every step of roasting pork butt, from choosing the right size roast to getting that crispy exterior. Let’s get started!
What is Pork Boston Butt?
Pork Boston butt comes from the upper part of the front leg/shoulder of the pig. It’s a flavorful, marbled cut that contains a good amount of connective tissue. This makes it ideal for slow roasting, braising, smoking, or pressure cooking.
Boston butt is sometimes confused with pork shoulder or picnic roast, but they are adjoining cuts from the same part of the animal. Boston butt tends to be more oval in shape with a tapered end.
When selecting a pork Boston butt to roast choose one around 4-6 pounds to serve 6-8 people. Go for a roast with good marbling which will keep it moist as it cooks.
Benefits of Roasting Pork Butt
There are several advantages to roasting a Boston butt in the oven:
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Requires minimal prep and hands-off cooking Just season it and pop it in the oven
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Low and slow roasting renders fat and breaks down collagen for tender pull-apart meat.
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Adds incredible depth of flavor as the meat cooks in its own juices.
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Leftovers can be used in many ways like tacos, sandwiches, pizza, etc.
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More budget-friendly than other prime roast cuts like beef tenderloin.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for roasting pork butt to juicy perfection:
1. Prepare the Roast
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Take the pork roast out of the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
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Trim off any large excess pieces of fat, leaving about a 1⁄4 inch layer.
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Poke holes all over the roast with a knife to allow seasonings to penetrate.
2. Season the Roast
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Generously season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices of your choice.
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You can also coat it in a wet rub, spice paste, or herbed oil.
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For maximum flavor penetration, season the roast at least 2-4 hours before cooking.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
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Preheat the oven to 300°F.
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Place a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan or baking dish. This allows air circulation for even cooking.
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You can also add vegetables like onions and carrots to roast underneath the pork.
4. Roast the Pork Butt
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Place the seasoned pork roast on the roasting rack fat side up.
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Roast for approximately 40 minutes per pound, until internal temp reaches 200°F.
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For a 4-6 pound roast, this is about 3-4 hours total.
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Baste the roast every 45 minutes with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
5. Rest and Finish the Roast
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Once roast reaches 200°F, remove it from the oven.
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Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 30 minutes.
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Turn oven up to 450°F. Return roast to oven for 15-20 minutes to crisp the exterior.
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Check temperature again and remove roast when it reaches 205°F.
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Let rest 10 minutes again before slicing or pulling.
Serving and Storing Leftovers
Pork Boston butt makes fantastic leftovers. Here are some tips:
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Slice the roast and serve it with pan juices and roasted veggies.
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Pull or shred the pork and use it for tacos, sandwiches, pizza, beans, soups, etc.
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
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Freeze shredded pork in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can now roast pork Boston butt like a pro! Let the oven do most of the work to transform this affordable cut into a mouthwatering family meal.
FAQs
What’s the best cut for pulled pork?
Boston butt, also called pork shoulder, is the best cut for pulled pork since it contains marbling and connective tissue that breaks down into tender, shreddable meat during low, slow cooking.
Should you wrap pork butt in foil while cooking?
It’s not necessary to wrap pork butt in foil while it’s roasting. The foil steam cooks it, so you lose the nice caramelized crust. Baste it periodically instead to keep it moist. You can tent it loosely with foil while resting.
What barbecue sauce goes best with pulled pork?
Classic Carolina-style vinegar sauces pair wonderfully with pulled pork. Bold Kansas City-style sweet and tangy sauces are also delicious. Avoid thick, sticky sauces that will make shredded pork gummy.
What wood is best for smoking pork shoulder?
Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, and pecan give the best flavor when smoking pork Boston butt. Hickory and oak also impart nice smoky notes. Avoid resinous woods like pine which can create a bitter taste.
Can you cook pork butt from frozen?
Yes, you can cook a frozen pork butt roast straight from the freezer. Add 1-2 hours to the cooking time. The roast’s core will thaw as the outside heats up. Keep cooking until it reaches an internal temp of 200°F.
With this complete step-by-step guide, you can now roast pork Boston butt like a pro! Enjoy tender, juicy pulled pork anytime with this easy method.