Pork Butt Recipes

Pork butt, despite its name, is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that lends itself perfectly to a variety of cooking methods. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue or a cozy family dinner, pork butt can be the star of the show with its rich flavor and tender texture. Here are some mouthwatering pork butt recipes to inspire your next cooking adventure.

1. Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs pork butt (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the pork butt generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
3. Place the pork butt on top of the onions.
4. In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour over the pork butt.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Shred the pork using two forks, mixing it with the juices in the slow cooker.
7. Serve on buns with coleslaw for classic pulled pork sandwiches.

2. Oven-Roasted Pork Butt

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs pork butt (bone-in or boneless)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the pork butt with minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork butt in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish.
4. Roast uncovered for about 4-5 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the pork is fork-tender and golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing or shredding.

3. Spicy Korean Pork Butt

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs pork butt (bone-in or boneless), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to make the marinade.
2. Place the pork butt slices in a resealable plastic bag or bowl, pour the marinade over, and mix well to coat.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the pork slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through and caramelized.
5. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of pork butt, whether you prefer it slow-cooked and tender, oven-roasted to perfection, or infused with bold Korean flavors. Each method brings out the best in this delicious cut of meat, ensuring a memorable meal for you and your loved ones. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and making them your own!