Pork butt roast, also known as Boston butt or Boston shoulder, is a flavorful and inexpensive cut that is perfect for slow roasting. When cooked properly, pork butt roast becomes incredibly tender and juicy with a delicious smoky flavor. Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering pork butt roast at home.
What is Pork Butt Roast?
Pork butt roast comes from the upper part of the front shoulder of the pig It contains a good amount of fat marbled throughout which keeps the meat moist and imparts great flavor, The name “butt” can be confusing since it doesn’t come from the rear – this cut is from the shoulder near the front legs
Pork butt is a tough cut of meat loaded with collagen. Slow roasting is ideal, as the gentle heat tenderizes the meat over time. The end result is shredably tender pork that pulls apart easily. Roasting also renders all that tasty fat to further enhance the flavor.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Butt Roast
There are many advantages to cooking a pork shoulder roast:
- Very inexpensive compared to other pork roasts
- Fatty marbling provides flavor and moisture
- Long cooking times result in incredibly tender meat
- Minimal preparation needed
- Makes delicious leftovers for sandwiches, tacos, etc.
Buying a bone-in pork butt roast offers even more flavor and juiciness. The bone protects the meat during cooking. Plan for roughly 1 pound of raw meat per person. A 6-8 pound roast will feed a crowd!
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Pork Butt
Follow these simple steps for roast pork perfection
1. Prepare the Meat
- Trim off any excess fat or silverskin from the pork roast. Leave a thin layer of fat intact.
- Pat the pork dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Season the Roast
- Generously rub the pork all over with seasoning. Use a basic blend, dry rub, or spice flavors like cumin, garlic, oregano, etc.
- You can also inject flavor by poking holes and inserting a flavorful marinade.
- Allow seasoned meat to sit out for 30 minutes up to overnight.
3. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan just large enough to fit the pork.
- For crispier skin, start at a higher temp like 350°F for the first hour.
4. Add Roast to the Oven
- Place pork roast fat side up on a roasting rack in the pan.
- Add a small amount of water or stock to the bottom of the pan.
- Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part.
5. Roast the Pork Butt
- Roast for approximately 1 hour per pound, until internal temp reaches 185°F.
- For a 6 pound roast, roast for around 5-6 hours total.
- Baste the pork with pan juices every hour for maximum moisture.
6. Rest, Slice, and Serve
- Once 185°F is reached, remove pork from the oven and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Slice into pieces across the grain. Serve drizzled with pan juices.
Choosing the Right Roast
For the best results, choose a bone-in Boston butt or picnic shoulder roast between 6-8 lbs. Look for a piece with plenty of marbling throughout for flavor and tenderness. Plan on around 1 pound per person.
Well-marbled roasts with darker meat and white fat layers are ideal Avoid any roast with dry looking areas or an overly lean appearance Fresh raw pork should have a pinkish-red color.
Seasoning a Pork Butt Roast
A simple blend of salt, pepper and garlic powder is all you need to make a tasty pork roast. For more flavor, try:
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne for a Mexican-style roast
- Rosemary, sage, thyme for a herby roast
- Brown sugar, paprika, cayenne for pulled pork
- Italian dressing or herb rub for a bold roast
Make sure to generously coat all surfaces of the pork. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for added flavor penetration.
Cooking Time for Pork Butt Roast
- Small roast (4-5 lbs): Allow 30-40 minutes per lb, so 4-5 hours
- Medium roast (6-8 lbs): Allow 50-60 minutes per lb, so 6-8 hours
- Large roast (10+ lbs): Allow 1-1.5 hours per lb, so 10-15 hours
Cook times are a general guideline only. Always use a meat thermometer and cook until the pork reaches an internal temp of 185°F-190°F for perfectly tender meat. The collagen will have fully broken down by then.
Internal Temperature for Pork Butt Roast
- 140°F – Rare
- 150°F – Medium
- 160°F – Well done
- 185°F-190°F – Shreddably tender
For roast pork, you want to cook all the way to 185°F-190°F for the collagen to melt and the meat to pull apart easily. If removed at 150°F, it would be tough and chewy. Use a thermometer for best results.
Roasting Tips
- Roast fat side up for self-basting. The renderings drip down and keep the meat juicy.
- Add broth or water to the pan to prevent burning. Baste the pork with juices every hour.
- If browning too quickly, tent foil over the roast loosely.
- Let rest 20-30 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Roasting alternatives
While roasting in the oven is easiest, you can also cook pork butt using these methods:
- Slow cooker: Cook on low 8-10 hours until fork tender.
- Smoker: Smoke at 225°F for 8-12 hours until 185°F.
- Instant Pot: Cook under pressure 90 minutes per pound on manual mode.
- Grill: Sear over direct heat, then transfer to indirect heat at 225°F until done.
Serving and Leftovers
Slice the rested pork roast and serve it with flavorful sides like:
- Homemade barbecue sauce
- Coleslaw, potato salad
- Baked beans
- Collard greens
- Mac and cheese
- Cornbread, biscuits
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days. The tender pork makes amazing sandwiches, tacos, soups, and more! It also freezes well for 3-4 months.
FAQs
What if my pork butt roast is tough and dry?
You likely removed it from the oven at too low of a temperature. Be sure to cook it until 185°F next time. Serve drizzled with sauce or chop it up for tacos.
Can you speed up cooking pork butt roast?
No, slow gentle heat is required to properly break down the collagen. Rushing it by using high heat can result in a tough, stringy texture.
Should I wrap my pork butt in foil while cooking?
You can tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. But do not wrap tightly, as this will steam the meat rather than allowing the surface to crisp.
Can I freeze leftover pork butt roast?
Yes, it freezes very well for 3-4 months. Allow the meat to cool fully before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is bone-in or boneless roast better?
Bone-in Boston butt roasts offer the most flavor and moisture. The bone protects the meat as it cooks. Boneless is more convenient for serving.
Conclusion
Cooking up a wonderfully tender, juicy pork butt roast is easy with this simple roasting method. Be sure to cook it low and slow until it reaches an internal temperature of 185°F. Rest the meat afterwards for juicy slicing. Serve this impressive roast with classic BBQ sides and enjoy the delicious leftovers all week long!