Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or Boston-style shoulder, is one of the most popular cuts of pork for pulled pork, roasting, and barbecue But despite its popularity, many home cooks have questions about how much a pork butt actually weighs The name can be deceiving, as pork butt doesn’t come from the rear of the pig as the name suggests. Understanding the typical size and weight range of pork butt helps ensure you buy the right size for your recipe.
What is Pork Butt?
Pork butt is a pork shoulder cut that comes from the upper part of the front leg of the pig. It contains parts of the neck shoulder blade and upper arm. Pork butt is rectangular in shape with a good amount of marbling and connective tissue. It has a decent amount of fat cap on the outside.
The name “pork butt” can be traced back to Boston butcher’s preparations in New England. This cut was packed into barrels called “butts” for shipping and the name stuck.
Average Weight of Pork Butt
On average, a boneless pork butt weighs 4-8 pounds. Bone-in pork butts are larger, typically 6-10 pounds.
For bone-in options, here are common pork butt weights:
- Small: 6-7 pounds
- Medium: 7-8 pounds
- Large: 8-10 pounds
The bone accounts for around 20% of the total weight. So a 10 pound bone-in pork butt yields around 8 pounds of edible meat.
The weight can vary based on the size of the market hog and how it was butchered. Some specialty breed hogs like Berkshire or Duroc may also produce heavier pork butts.
Factors Affecting Pork Butt Weight
There are a few factors that affect the weight of pork butt:
Bone-In vs Boneless
Boneless pork butts weigh less since the bone is removed. Bone-in options retain more natural flavor.
Trim Level
Heavily trimmed pork butts have less usable meat than untrimmed options with more external fat cap. Leaving the fat cap on helps keep pork butt moist as it cooks.
Market Hog Size
Larger market hogs over 250 pounds produce heavier Boston butts around 10 pounds. Smaller market hogs yield Boston butts around 7 pounds.
Collagen and Connective Tissue
The amount of collagen and connective tissue impacts weight. This adds moisture when cooked properly by slow smoking or braising.
Buying the Right Size Pork Butt
Choosing the ideal pork butt size depends on a few factors:
Number of People
Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound finished meat per person. A 7-8 pound butt feeds 10-12, while a 10 pound feeds 15-20.
Cooking Method
Smaller cuts under 7 pounds work best for roasting or braising. Larger cuts over 8 pounds are ideal for slow smoking as pulled pork.
Freezer Space
If preparing a large batch of pulled pork for the freezer, buy a bigger 10 pound pork butt. Smaller cuts work if limited freezer room.
Budget
Larger bone-in pork butts offer more meat for your money than smaller boneless options. Go bigger if looking for value.
How to Select Pork Butt
Follow these tips for picking the perfect pork butt:
- Choose bone-in for more flavor and moisture
- Look for 1/4 inch+ thick white fat cap
- Pick evenly distributed marbling in the lean
- Avoid dark spots or dry-looking areas
- Select medium or large cuts for smoking
- Seal tightly with Cryovac packaging
High-quality pork butt should have deep red lean coloration with white marbling and fat cap. Pass on cuts with dark or dry spots.
Expected Yield After Cooking
Raw pork butt weights provide only part of the story. Just how much cooked, edible meat results after cooking?
Pork butts shrink significantly, losing 35-40% of their original weight when cooked. This is due to rendering fat and moisture loss.
Here are the typical yields:
- 7 lb raw pork butt yields 4 lbs cooked
- 8 lb raw pork butt yields 5 lbs cooked
- 10 lb raw pork butt yields 6 lbs cooked
After smoking or braising, let pork butt rest 45-60 minutes before pulling or slicing for highest yield and moisture. Use bear claws or forks to shred.
Storing and Freezing Pork Butt
Raw pork butt keeps 3-5 days refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze up to 4 months.
- Divide into portions before freezing for easy thawing
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil
- Label with date and weight
Thaw frozen pork butt 1-2 days in the fridge before using. Reheat pulled pork in the oven at 225°F until warm throughout.
Understanding the typical weight ranges and yields for pork butt allows you to purchase the ideal size for your needs. Aim for 1/3 to 1/2 pound finished meat per person. Well-chosen pork butt delivers delicious and economical meals from the smoker, oven, or slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook a 10 lb Boston butt at 250 degrees?
FAQ
How long to smoke a 10lb pork butt?
How much weight does a pork shoulder lose when cooked?
How much does a 8 pound pork butt weigh?
An 8-pound pork butt is estimated to yield about 4 pounds of cooked meat. When it comes to smoked meat like pork shoulder and pork butt, the cooked weight is about 1/3 pound per person. Since we prefer to err on the side of caution, the meat weighs half as much after it’s cooked.
How much weight can a pork butt lose?
When shopping for a pork butt, expect it to lose around 40 to 50 percent of its starting weight. A bone-in pork butt will be towards the higher end of that scale, while a picnic shoulder, especially without the skin, is right around the 50% mark.
How much does a pork shoulder weigh?
A whole pork shoulder weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, but it’s usually divided into two sections: the pork butt, which might weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, and the picnic shoulder, which typically comes in around 4 to 10 pounds. The pork shoulder itself weighs between 5 and 18 pounds. The meat is expected to shrink down by 40 or 50 percent as it cooks.
What is a pork butt?
The term ‘pork butt’ comes from the old shipping containers in which cheaper pork cuts were packed and stored. The pork butt is taken from the upper portion of the hog’s front shoulder and weighs between 6 and 10 pounds. It is a rectangular-shaped roast cut.