How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder at 350 Degrees?

Do you know how long to cook pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit? If not, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know the correct cooking temperature or time for this cut of meat. In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to cook pork shoulder so it is juicy and flavorful. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to prepare it beforehand. Let’s get started!

How long to cook Pork Shoulder at 350 degrees?

Pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking at a low temperature. For this reason, it’s best to cook pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours.

This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender. Depending on the size of your pork shoulder, cooking time will vary. A small pork shoulder may only need to cook for 3-4 hours, while a larger one may need to cook for 5-6 hours. To be sure, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven.

Once your pork shoulder is cooked through, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful piece of meat.

How to Cook Pork Shoulder at 350 Degrees?

Now, let’s talk about how to prepare pork shoulder before cooking it. First, you’ll need to trim any excess fat from the meat. This will help ensure that your pork shoulder isn’t too greasy when it’s cooked.

Next, season the pork shoulder with your favorite spices or rub. We like to use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices.

Once you’ve seasoned the pork shoulder, place it in a baking dish or roasting pan. Add 1-2 cups of chicken stock or water to the dish, then cover it tightly with foil or a lid. Now, your pork shoulder is ready to be cooked!

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about how long to cook pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, this tough cut of meat benefits from slow cooking at a low temperature. Use these tips to ensure that your pork shoulder is juicy, flavorful, and cooked through.

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What Temperature to Cook Pork Shoulder?

The best temperature to cook pork shoulder is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender. Depending on the size of your pork shoulder, cooking time will vary. A small pork shoulder may only need to cook for 3-4 hours, while a larger one may need to cook for 5-6 hours.

To be sure, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven. Once your pork shoulder is cooked through, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful piece of meat.

How To Choose the Right Cut of Pork Shoulder 

When you’re choosing a pork shoulder, you’ll want to look for a cut that has some marbling (fat streaks) running through it. This will help ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful. You should also look for a pork shoulder that is evenly trimmed – avoid cuts with large pieces of fat on them.

The size of your pork shoulder will also be important. If you’re cooking for a small group, a 1-2 pound pork shoulder should be enough. For a larger group, you’ll need a 3-4 pound pork shoulder.

How To Prepare Pork Shoulder?

First, you’ll need to trim any excess fat from the meat. This will help ensure that your pork shoulder isn’t too greasy when it’s cooked. Next, season the pork shoulder with your favorite spices or rub. We like to use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

You can also get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices. Once you’ve seasoned the pork shoulder, place it in a baking dish or roasting pan.

Add 1-2 cups of chicken stock or water to the dish, then cover it tightly with foil or a lid. Now, your pork shoulder is ready to be cooked! So, there you have it – everything you need to know about how long to cook pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remember, this tough cut of meat benefits from slow cooking at a low temperature. Use these tips to ensure that your pork shoulder is juicy, flavorful, and cooked through.

How to store cooked Pork Shoulder?

Cooked pork shoulder can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months. When storing cooked pork shoulder, make sure it’s covered tightly so that it doesn’t dry out.

To reheat, simply place the pork shoulder in a baking dish and add a little chicken stock or water. Cover the dish with foil and heat it in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through.

Sliced or shredded pork shoulder can also be reheated in the microwave. Simply place the meat on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cooking Pork Shoulder:

There are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. First, don’t overcook the meat. Pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat, so it benefits from slow cooking at a low temperature.

If you cook it for too long, or at too high of a temperature, the meat will become dry and tough. Second, don’t forget to let the pork shoulder rest before slicing or shredding it. This will help ensure that the juices stay locked in, making for a juicier and more flavorful piece of meat.

Finally, make sure you trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking it. This will help keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

Now that you know how to cook pork shoulder, put these tips to good use and enjoy!

FAQs:

Q: What is the best way to season pork shoulder?

A: The best way to season pork shoulder is with a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices.

Q: What is the difference between pork shoulder and pork butt?

A: Pork shoulder and pork butt are actually the same thing – they’re just two different names for the same cut of meat.

Q: How do I know when my pork shoulder is cooked through?

A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven. Once your pork shoulder is cooked through, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or shredding it.

Q: Can I cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Just follow the same instructions as you would for cooking it in the oven, but cook it on low for 8-10 hours instead.

Q: What can I do with leftover pork shoulder?

A: Sliced or shredded pork shoulder is great in sandwiches, tacos, or on top of a salad. It can also be reheated and served as a main dish. If you have any extra pork shoulder, make sure to store it in the fridge (covered) for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Q: What is the best way to reheat pork shoulder?

A: The best way to reheat pork shoulder is in a baking dish, covered tightly with foil or a lid. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel.

Q: Can I cook pork shoulder ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can cook pork shoulder ahead of time. Just follow the same instructions, but cook it for only 8-10 hours instead of 12-14 hours. Let the pork shoulder cool completely, then store it in the fridge (covered) for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze cooked pork shoulder?

A: Yes, you can freeze cooked pork shoulder. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Q: What is the best way to store cooked pork shoulder?

A: The best way to store cooked pork shoulder is in the fridge (covered) for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Q: Can I cook pork shoulder in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can cook pork shoulder in an Instant Pot. Just follow the same instructions as you would for cooking it in the oven, but cook it on high pressure for 60 minutes instead.

Q: What is the nutritional value of pork shoulder?

A: Pork shoulder is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also relatively low in calories and fat. One 3-ounce serving of cooked pork shoulder contains approximately:

Calories: 140

Fat: 6 grams

Saturated fat: 2 grams

Cholesterol: 70 milligrams

Sodium: 80 milligrams

Protein: 20 grams

Q: What are some of the best dishes to make with pork shoulder?

A: Some of the best dishes to make with pork shoulder include pulled pork, carnitas, and BBQ pork.

Q: What is the best way to cook pork shoulder?

A: The best way to cook pork shoulder is in the oven. Just follow the same instructions as you would for cooking it in the slow cooker, but cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 hours instead.

Q: Is pork shoulder healthy?

A: Pork shoulder is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also relatively low in calories and fat. However, pork shoulder is also high in cholesterol and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Q: What are some of the risks associated with eating pork shoulder?

A: Some of the risks associated with eating pork shoulder include food poisoning, indigestion, and heartburn. Pork shoulder is also high in cholesterol and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Q: Where can I buy pork shoulder?

A: Pork shoulder can be bought at most grocery stores and butcher shops. It can also be ordered online from specialty meat retailers.

Final Thoughts

The amount of time you cook a pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will depend on the size and weight of the cut. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for around an hour per pound, but be sure to use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Letting the pork shoulder rest after cooking will help ensure that it’s nice and juicy when you serve it up.

Here are a few recipes for you to try:

1. Pork Shoulder Roast with Herb Rub

Ingredients:

1 (4-5 pound) pork shoulder roast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 cup chicken stock or water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder roast.

3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder roast.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder roast and sear it on all sides until browned.

5. Transfer the pork shoulder to a baking dish or roasting pan. Add the chicken stock or water to the dish, then cover it tightly with foil or a lid.

6. Bake the pork shoulder for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Remove the pork shoulder from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding it. Serve immediately.

2. Pork Shoulder Braised in Chicken Stock

Ingredients:

1 (4-5 pound) pork shoulder roast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup white wine

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the chicken stock, white wine, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the skillet and stir to combine.

4. Add the pork shoulder roast to the skillet and sear it on all sides until browned.

5. Transfer the entire contents of the skillet to a baking dish or roasting pan. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Remove the pork shoulder from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding it. Serve immediately.