Is Boston Butt Roast Pork or Beef? Explaining This Confusing Cut of Meat

As a barbecue enthusiast, I love cooking up a juicy, smoky Boston butt roast. But despite the name, I learned that Boston butt actually comes from pork, not beef! This confusing moniker sent me on a quest to uncover the origins of this popular cut of meat.

In this article, we’ll solve the mystery of the Boston butt once and for all. We’ll cover:

• What part of the pig Boston butt is cut from
• How it got its misleading name
• The difference between pork butt and pork shoulder
• When to choose Boston butt for your recipe
• Flavor profiles and cooking tips for Boston butt roast

Let’s clear up the pork vs beef debate on Boston butt!

What Part of the Pig Does Boston Butt Come From?

Boston butt is not the rear end of the pig as the name implies. This cut actually comes from the upper part of the front shoulder It contains part of the shoulder blade and some of the neck

Boston butt is also known as pork butt or pork shoulder roast. It’s cut from the same general region as the picnic shoulder, but from a thicker, meatier section.

So despite the beefy name Boston butt is 100% pig. No cow backsides are harmed in the making of this roast!

The Origins of the Name “Boston Butt”

How did a cut of pork get a name that sounds like it should be a beef rump roast? There are a few colorful theories:

• Early Boston butchers stored and shipped pork in barrels called “butts” The pork shoulder cuts named after the container

• The raising technique of turning pigs on their backs led to the name “butt.”

• It refers to the butt or thick end of the shoulder.

• Corruption of the term “Baston butt” – “Baston” being French for shoulder.

Whatever the origin, the name stuck even though it causes confusion about which animal it comes from!

Boston Butt vs. Pork Shoulder – What’s the Difference?

Boston butt comes from the upper part of the front pork shoulder. It contains more marbling and fat than other shoulder cuts like the picnic. Here are some key differences:

• Boston Butt – From higher shoulder, well-marbled. Sold bone-in or boneless.

• Picnic Shoulder – From lower shoulder near front leg, leaner with less fat. Often has skin on.

• Pork Shoulder – General term for whole front leg. Can be cut into Boston butt and picnic.

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, Boston butt’s fat content makes it ideal for moist roast and pulled pork.

When to Choose Boston Butt Roast

The marbling and collagen in Boston butt means it shines when cooked low and slow. The long cooking tenderizes the meat and melts the fat into succulent deliciousness.

Boston butt is perfect for:

• Smoked or roasted pulled pork
• Braised dishes like carnitas
• Chili, soups and stews
• Ground pork or sausages

You can also roast a bone-in Boston butt then slice it like a ham. But for maximum tenderness and flavor, opt for slow, moist cooking methods.

Flavor Profiles and Cooking Tips

Boston butt has a milder flavor than other pork cuts like loin or ribs. It also takes very well to spice rubs and sauces since it absorbs flavors during long cooking.

Here are some tips for maximizing taste and tenderness with Boston butt:

• Generously season with a dry rub or marinade. The meat will soak up the flavors.
• Smoke low at 225-250°F for best results, or roast at 300°F.
• Cook to internal temp of 195-205°F for pull-apart texture.
• Let rest for 20-30 minutes before shredding to allow juices to reabsorb.
• Save defatted cooking juices to moisten pulled meat or make sauce.
• Chop or shred meat and mix with reserved juices and barbecue sauce.

With the right prep and cooking, Boston butt roast becomes the juiciest, most dick-off-the-bone pulled pork or carnitas you’ve ever tasted!

The Takeaway: Boston Butt is Pork, Not Beef

While the name may sound contradictory, Boston butt is definitely a cut of pork, not beef. This flavorful, well-marbled shoulder roast is ideal for barbecuing, braising, stewing and more. With its high fat content, it responds beautifully to slow, moist cooking methods.

Next time you see Boston butt roast on sale, don’t hesitate to grab one for succulent pulled pork sandwiches, comforting stews and more. Just remember it comes from the pig’s shoulder region, not the backside, despite the beefy moniker. No need to worry about accidentally buying the wrong meat—your pork roast dinner plans are still on!