Can You Put Frozen Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot? A Complete Guide

Pork shoulder is a flavorful, inexpensive cut that works perfectly in slow cookers and crock pots. The long, low heat tenderizes the meat, infusing it with spices and making it fall-apart tender. But can you simply toss frozen pork shoulder straight into the crock pot? Or does it need to be thawed first?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking frozen pork shoulder in a crock pot, including food safety tips, recommended cook times, delicious recipes, and more.

Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot?

The short answer is – no it is not recommended to cook frozen pork shoulder directly in the crock pot.

Frozen meat takes much longer to reach a safe internal cooking temperature, spending more time in the “danger zone” where bacteria can rapidly multiply. The USDA states that meat should be fully thawed before going into a slow cooker to prevent foodborne illness.

Slow cookers also heat unevenly, with most heat generated at the bottom and sides. Placing a large frozen cut like pork shoulder into a cold crock can lower the temperature so much that it never reaches optimal cooking temps.

For food safety, it is best to fully thaw pork shoulder in the refrigerator before placing it in the crock pot.

Thawing Tips for Pork Shoulder

Properly thawing pork shoulder is an essential first step for crock pot cooking, Here are some recommended methods

• Refrigerator thawing: The safest way to thaw pork shoulder is by placing it a bowl or pan and leaving it in the fridge for 24-48 hours. Once thawed, it will keep for 3-5 days.

• Cold water thawing: Submerge the frozen pork in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. This takes 4-6 hours but speeds up the process.

• Microwave defrosting: Use the defrost setting to thaw pork shoulder in 6-8 minute intervals, flipping occasionally, until no longer frozen.

Once thawed, dry off the pork shoulder thoroughly before adding any rubs, seasonings or placing it into the slow cooker.

Tips for Cooking Thawed Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot

Follow these tips for flavorful, tender pulled pork shoulder from your crock pot:

• Purchase a 3-4 lb bone-in pork shoulder for the best texture and flavor.

• Trim off any excess fat, then rub the pork all over with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

• Place thawed pork shoulder in crock pot and add 1 cup broth, cider, beer or water.

• Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-6 hours. Pork should shred easily when fully cooked.

• Internal temp should reach 200°F. Check with a meat thermometer before shredding pork.

• Let pork rest 10 minutes before “pulling” or shredding with two forks.

Delicious Crock Pot Pork Shoulder Recipes

Here are 3 amazing spice rubs and recipes for cozy crock pot pork shoulder:

1. Chili Rub Pulled Pork

Rub Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine rub ingredients and apply liberally to thawed 4 lb pork shoulder.
2. Add pork and 1 cup chicken broth to crock pot.
3. Cook on low 8-10 hours until fork tender.
4. Shred pork with forks and toss with barbecue sauce.
5. Serve on buns or over baked potatoes.

2. Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

Marinade Ingredients:

• Juice of 2 oranges
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Pour over 3 lb thawed pork shoulder and marinate 1-2 hours.
3. Transfer pork and marinade to crock pot.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Shred pork and toss with remaining juices.
6. Serve over rice or in tacos.

3. Hawaiian Luau Pulled Pork

Rub Ingredients:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix rub and pat onto thawed 3 lb pork shoulder.
2. Add pork to crock pot with 1 cup pineapple juice.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Shred pork and toss with barbecue sauce.
5. Serve on Hawaiian rolls with pineapple salsa.

FAQs About Cooking Frozen Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot

Is it ever safe to cook frozen pork in the crock pot?

It is best practice to fully thaw pork before cooking it in a slow cooker. Never cook frozen pork directly from the freezer.

What if I forgot to thaw the pork shoulder?

You can speed up thawing with the cold water or microwave method. Otherwise, postpone your crock pot meal until the pork has thawed overnight in the fridge.

Do I need to add liquid to the crock pot?

Yes, adding 1 cup of broth, juice or water prevents the pork from drying out and helps it cook evenly.

What setting and cook time should I use?

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until pork is very tender and shreds easily.

How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 200°F once done. The meat should also be very tender and shred easily.

Can I crisp up the pork after shredding?

Yes! Place shredded pork on a baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get crispy edges.

The Takeaway on Frozen Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot

While it may seem convenient, cooking frozen pork shoulder in the slow cooker comes with safety risks and uneven cooking. For delicious pulled pork, always thaw pork fully before placing it in the crock pot. With the proper thawing and cooking methods, you’ll get incredibly tender, flavorful shredded pork shoulder every time.