Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder

It’s hard to escape the buzz about pork butt.

We’ve seen it on smokehouse menus, all over BBQ Instagram, and in plenty of pulled pork recipes. But it can also leave people feeling confused.

Confused because, here in the UK, most of us have always thought pork shoulder was the joint of choice for pulled pork. So what is pork butt? Is pork butt the same as pork shoulder? And is there really any difference?

We get asked this regularly, so let’s put the issue to rest.

What Is Pork Butt?

Pork butt, often called Boston butt in the USA, comes from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder, behind the neck.

Despite the name, pork butt does not come from the rear of the pig. It is a shoulder cut, and it is widely regarded as one of the best joints for pulled pork.

Pork butt is usually well marbled with fat and connective tissue, which makes it ideal for low and slow cooking. When cooked properly, the fat renders, the connective tissue breaks down, and the pork becomes soft enough to pull apart.

What Is Pork Shoulder?

Pork shoulder also comes from the shoulder of the pig, but in the UK it usually refers to a joint taken from the lower part of the shoulder, closer to the hock.

Most pork shoulder joints sold here are boneless, rolled and tied with butcher’s string to create a neat joint that cooks evenly.

Like pork butt, pork shoulder is a hard-working cut, so it suits low and slow cooking. It has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender, juicy and full of flavour when cooked properly.

Is Pork Butt the Same as Pork Shoulder?

Pork butt is part of the shoulder, but it is not always exactly the same as a standard pork shoulder joint.

The simplest way to think of it is this:

• Pork butt comes from the upper shoulder, closer to the neck.
• Pork shoulder usually refers to a lower shoulder joint, often boneless, rolled and tied.

Both are shoulder cuts. Both are good for pulled pork. Both need low and slow cooking.

The difference is mainly the exact part of the shoulder they come from, how they are butchered, and whether the joint is sold bone-in or boneless.

Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder: The Main Differences

So, is there a huge difference? Not always.

Both cuts come from the shoulder and both are suited to slow cooking. But if you are trying to make proper BBQ-style pulled pork, pork butt is usually the preferred choice.

Why Is Pork Butt Good for Pulled Pork?

Pork butt is good for pulled pork because it has the right balance of meat, fat and connective tissue.

That might not sound exciting, but it is exactly what you want for low and slow cooking.

As the pork cooks gently over several hours, the tougher tissue breaks down and the fat renders through the meat. This leaves you with juicy, tender pork that can be shredded easily.

That is why pork butt is so popular with BBQ pitmasters and smokehouses.

Is Pork Shoulder Good for Pulled Pork?

Yes, pork shoulder is also good for pulled pork.

It may be cut slightly differently from pork butt, but it still comes from a hard-working part of the pig and has the structure needed for slow cooking.

A boneless rolled pork shoulder can make excellent pulled pork, especially in the oven or slow cooker.

If pork butt is the classic BBQ choice, pork shoulder is the practical UK supermarket and butcher’s counter choice. Both can work very well.

Which Is Better: Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder?

If you want the best cut for BBQ-style pulled pork, choose pork butt.

If you want a more familiar joint that is easy to roast, slow cook and slice or pull, pork shoulder is also a great option.

Pork butt usually has excellent marbling and is often preferred for smoking. Pork shoulder is often easier to find, usually boneless, and still gives a brilliant result when cooked low and slow.

So the honest answer is: pork butt is probably better for proper pulled pork, but pork shoulder is still very good.

Why Is It Called Pork Butt?

The name “pork butt” is confusing because it does not come from the pig’s backside.

The name is thought to come from old storage and transport barrels known as butts. Pork shoulder cuts were packed into these barrels, and the name eventually stuck, especially in America where the cut is often called Boston butt.

So no, it is not bum meat. It is shoulder.

How to Cook Pork Butt

Pork butt should be cooked low and slow.

You can cook it in the oven, slow cooker, smoker or BBQ. The method can change, but the principle is the same: gentle heat, plenty of time, and patience.

For pulled pork, pork butt is usually cooked until it becomes soft enough to shred with forks or meat claws.

For an oven method, place the pork butt in a deep roasting dish, season well, cover, and cook at around Gas Mark 2, 150°C, or 130°C fan for around 6 hours, or until tender.

For a full BBQ version, read our Weber kettle pulled pork recipe.

How to Cook Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder also benefits from low and slow cooking.

You can roast it gently in the oven, cook it in the slow cooker, or use it for pulled pork.

If you want soft, shreddable pork, cook it until the meat pulls apart easily. If you want to slice it, cook it as a slow roast and rest it properly before carving.

For an easy version, have a look at our slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

What Temperature Should Pork Butt Reach?

If you are cooking pork butt for pulled pork, tenderness matters more than simply reaching a safe minimum temperature.

Pork butt may be technically cooked before it is ready to pull. For pulled pork, it needs to cook longer so the fat and connective tissue break down properly.

Many BBQ cooks take pork butt to around 90°C to 95°C internally, or until it feels probe-tender and pulls apart easily.

If it is still tough, it usually needs more time.

What to Serve with Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder

Pork butt and pork shoulder are both brilliant for pulled pork.

Serve with soft rolls, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, chips, wedges, corn on the cob, beans, mac and cheese, pickles or salad.

Pulled pork also works well in tacos, wraps, nachos, loaded fries, rice bowls, sandwiches and pies.

Browse our pork range or BBQ essentials collection for more slow-cooking and BBQ ideas.

Final Thoughts

Pork butt and pork shoulder are closely related cuts.

Pork butt comes from the upper shoulder, near the neck, and is often called Boston butt. Pork shoulder usually refers to a lower shoulder joint, often sold boneless, rolled and tied in the UK.

Both are great for low and slow cooking. Both can make excellent pulled pork.

But if you are chasing proper BBQ-style pulled pork, pork butt is usually the cut to go for.

For a more detailed guide to the cut itself, read our article on what pork butt is.

FAQs

What is pork butt?

Pork butt is a pork joint cut from the upper shoulder of the pig. It is also known as Boston butt and is one of the best cuts for pulled pork.

Is pork butt the same as pork shoulder?

Pork butt is part of the shoulder, but it usually refers to the upper shoulder cut. Pork shoulder often refers to a lower shoulder joint, especially in the UK.

Does pork butt come from the pig’s bum?

No. Pork butt comes from the shoulder of the pig, not the rear.

What is the difference between pork butt and pork shoulder?

Pork butt comes from the upper shoulder, while pork shoulder usually comes from lower down. Pork butt is often preferred for BBQ pulled pork, while pork shoulder is often sold boneless, rolled and tied.

Which is better for pulled pork, pork butt or pork shoulder?

Pork butt is usually considered the best cut for pulled pork because of its fat, marbling and connective tissue. Pork shoulder is also a very good option.

Can you use pork shoulder instead of pork butt?

Yes, pork shoulder can be used instead of pork butt for pulled pork. It may be cut differently, but it still works well low and slow.

How do you cook pork butt?

Cook pork butt low and slow in the oven, slow cooker, smoker or BBQ until the meat is tender enough to pull apart.