Best Cut for Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is said to have originated in the Southern USA, unless you speak to Dennis, who will tell you it was his invention, which means it actually originated in Bushbury, Wolverhampton.

Either way, the idea is simple. You cook pork low and slow until it becomes so tender it starts to fall apart. It can then be shredded easily, either using two forks, meat claws or your hands, hence the name: pulled pork.

What is the best cut for pulled pork?

The best cut for pulled pork is usually pork shoulder, especially pork butt, also known as Boston butt.

The shoulder muscles do a lot of work during the pig’s life, which means they develop a real depth of flavour. They also contain more fat and connective tissue than leaner cuts, which is exactly what you want for pulled pork.

Long, slow cooking breaks down that connective tissue and allows the fat to baste the meat naturally as it cooks. That is what gives you soft, juicy, shreddable pork instead of something dry and disappointing.

If you want to understand this cut in more detail, read our guide to what pork butt is.

Why pork shoulder works so well

Pork shoulder is built for slow cooking. It has enough fat to keep the meat moist, enough connective tissue to turn soft and silky, and enough flavour to stand up to BBQ rubs, sauces and long cooking times.

Leaner cuts, such as pork loin, can dry out if you cook them for hours. They are better suited to roasting, slicing or quicker cooking.

For proper pulled pork, you want a cut that improves with time. Pork shoulder does exactly that.

Is pork butt good for pulled pork?

Yes, pork butt is one of the best cuts for pulled pork.

Despite the name, pork butt does not come from the back end of the pig. It comes from the upper shoulder. This makes it ideal for low and slow cooking, BBQ, smoking and shredding.

Pork butt has the right balance of meat, fat and connective tissue, which is why it is such a popular cut for pulled pork, especially in American BBQ.

If you are choosing between cuts, our pork butt vs pork shoulder guide explains the difference.

Can you use pork loin for pulled pork?

You can use pork loin for pulled pork, but it would not be our first choice.

Pork loin is much leaner than shoulder, which means it does not have the same fat and connective tissue to keep the meat juicy during a long cook. It can still be cooked and shredded, but it is much easier to dry out.

If you want classic pulled pork that is soft, rich and easy to shred, stick with pork shoulder or pork butt.

How do you cook pulled pork?

Pulled pork needs low and slow cooking. You can cook it in the oven, on a BBQ, in a smoker or in a slow cooker.

The exact method depends on what you are using, but the principle is always the same: gentle heat, plenty of time, and patience.

Once the pork is cooked, remove any rind if needed, then shred the meat with two forks, meat claws or your hands if it is cool enough to handle. If you want crackling, remove the rind before shredding and get it into a hot oven separately.

For proper BBQ pulled pork, try our Weber Kettle Pulled Pork. For an easier indoor version, our Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is a good place to start.

FAQs about the best cut for pulled pork

What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is usually the best cut for pulled pork. Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is especially good because it has the right amount of fat and connective tissue for low and slow cooking.

Is pork shoulder or pork loin better for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is better for pulled pork. Pork loin is much leaner and can dry out during a long cook, while pork shoulder becomes tender, juicy and easy to shred.

Is pork butt the same as pork shoulder?

Pork butt comes from the upper shoulder, so it is part of the shoulder area. It is not exactly the same as every pork shoulder cut, but both are suited to slow cooking.

Do you remove the rind for pulled pork?

If the pork has rind, it is usually best to remove it before shredding. You can cook the rind separately in a hot oven if you want crackling.

Why is my pulled pork dry?

Pulled pork can turn out dry if the cut is too lean, the cooking temperature is too high, or it has not been cooked gently enough. Pork shoulder or pork butt is more forgiving because it contains more fat and connective tissue.