Is Pork Collar the Same as Pork Neck? Understanding the Differences

Pork collar and pork neck—are they the same cut of meat? While they come from a similar part of the pig, there are some key differences between these two economical cuts.

Understanding how pork collar and pork neck differ can help you pick the right one for your recipe, Let’s take a closer look at how to tell them apart

Where Pork Collar and Neck Come From

Both pork collar and pork neck come from the shoulder area of the pig,

More specifically, the pork collar is cut from the Boston butt portion of the shoulder. It contains part of the “money muscle” that runs through the Boston butt, which is prized for competition barbecue.

The pork neck is cut from the lower portion of the shoulder below the Boston butt. It consists of portions of the cervical vertebrae along with intermuscular fat and connective tissue.

So while pork collar and pork neck overlap a bit in where they come from, the collar is above the neck portion of the shoulder.

Key Differences Between Pork Collar and Neck

There are a few key ways that pork collar differs from pork neck:

Shape – Pork collar is roughly triangular in shape while pork neck is elongated.
Bone – Pork collar is boneless while pork neck contains bones and vertebrae.
Texture – Pork collar has more marbling while pork neck is leaner with more connective tissue.
Flavor – Pork collar is considered more flavorful and tender due to its fat content. Pork neck is leaner with a slightly tougher texture.
Cooking methods – Pork collar excels when roasted or grilled while pork neck does best braised or stewed.
Cost – Pork neck tends to be a more budget-friendly cut than pork collar.

Popular Names for Pork Neck and Collar

Pork neck and collar go by several other common names:

Pork Neck Names

Pork scotch (UK)
Pork scrag (New Zealand)
Pork nape (US)

Pork Collar Names

Boston butt or Boston shoulder
Pork blade shoulder
Pork chuck shoulder
Pork cushion (UK)

These names can create confusion when shopping for pork collar vs. pork neck. Be sure to check with your butcher if you are unsure of what you’re getting.

Best Cooking Methods for Each Cut

Due to their differing characteristics, pork collar and pork neck each excel when cooked in certain ways:

For Pork Collar

Grilling
Roasting
Broiling
Pan searing
Stewing

For Pork Neck

Braising
Slow cooking in stews and soups
Slow roasting
Smoking/barbecuing

The pork collar’s tender and marbled texture makes it ideal for faster dry cooking methods that keep moisture in. Pork neck benefits from slow moist cooking to break down its connective tissues.

Sample Recipes for Each Cut

Here are some recipe ideas to highlight pork collar versus pork neck:

Pork Collar Recipes

Herb crusted grilled pork collar steaks
Pork collar tacos with lime crema
Roasted pork collar with apples and fennel

Pork Neck Recipes

Braised pork neck stew with carrots and potatoes
Tom kha gai – Thai chicken and pork neck soup
Chipotle barbacoa tacos with slow cooked pork neck
Smoked pork neck chops with BBQ glaze

Getting creative with marinades, rubs, and global spice blends can make both cuts shine.

Is One Better Than the Other?

Pork collar and pork neck both have their merits. Pork collar is valued for its rich flavor and tenderness. But pork neck is appreciated for its hearty texture and versatility after long cooking.

Which is better comes down to your preferences and the recipe you are making. For quick cooking and a tender, tasty cut, go with pork collar. For a budget-cut that excels when braised or slow-cooked in soups and stews, choose pork neck.

Both offer great pork flavor and value. Understanding their differences will help you pick the right one for your next pork dish.

The Difference Between Pork Shoulder & Pork Collar | Butcher Shop Bootcamp

FAQ

What is pork collar called in a grocery store?

The collar is part of the larger shoulder and is cut from the portion that runs from the neck to the tip of the loin. Technically it is called a “center cut boneless pork butt”.

What is the closest cut to pork neck?

Shoulder is cut from the upper parts of the pork’s front leg. Because of this it is close to pork neck and considered part of the Boston Butt. Pork Shoulder is a piece of meat which consists mostly of coarse, long fibers and has a fat percentage of roughly 10%.

What is a good substitute for pork neck?

Pork shoulder is a good and readily available substitute.

What is collar of pork?

What Is A Pork Collar? Pork collar is taken from the jowl of a pig, through the shoulder and extends close to the loin. Pork collar is renowned for its fabulous marbling giving it its delicious succulent flavour especially when rendered out, making it perfect for slow cooking and roasting.

What is pork collar?

Pork collar, also known as pork neck or coppa, is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that comes from the top of the shoulder of the pig. It is well-marbled and has a rich, succulent taste that makes it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

Is a pork collar a part of the neck?

Answer: Technically no, as pork collar is cut from the top of the neck behind the jowl (neck) and head and above the butt (shoulder). The muscle it’s cut from starts just below the neck and runs down the spine. So it’s more a part of the shoulder than it is of the neck.

What is pork neck meat?

Pork neck meat is a versatile cut of meat that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Pork neck meat, also known as pork collar, is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that is often overlooked. This cut comes from the neck of the pig and is characterized by its rich, marbled texture and intense flavor.

Is pork neck meat better than pork shoulder?

Pork neck meat is a leaner cut of meat than pork shoulder. It is also more tender and has a more intense flavor. Pork shoulder is a more fatty cut of meat, but it is also less expensive. How long does pork neck meat take to cook? The cooking time for pork neck meat will vary depending on the cooking method.