Cody Casey
Slow cooking a pork butt in a crock pot is a great way to make the meat tender and tasty. It is also a convenient way to make a large batch of pulled pork to feed a crowd or to have leftovers. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the pork butt and the desired doneness, but it typically ranges from 5 to 12 hours on low heat. Some recipes recommend browning the meat before placing it in the crock pot to enhance the flavor and seal in the juices. To check if the pork is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 195-205°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal for | Family gatherings or leftovers |
| Meat weight | 4-8 lbs |
| Meat type | Pork butt/shoulder, bone-in or boneless |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic slivers, onion powder, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar |
| Cooking time | 5-10 hours, depending on heat setting and meat weight |
| Heat setting | Low heat for tender meat |
| Meat temperature | 195°-205° F |
| Meat consistency | Should be falling apart and easily shreddable |
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What You'll Learn
How to season pork butt for the crock pot
To season pork butt for the crock pot, you can use a dry rub, a marinade, or a combination of both. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings
You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour pork butt. Common options include salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, chilli powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. You can also add liquids like apple butter BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
Before applying the seasonings, you can cut slits into the pork butt and insert garlic slivers. This infuses flavour into the meat. You can also trim the fat cap or leave it on, depending on your preference. Leaving the fat on can add flavour and moisture to the dish.
Step 3: Apply Dry Rub
Combine your chosen dry seasonings and mix them well. Pat the pork butt dry, and then generously coat it with the dry rub, making sure to cover all sides of the meat.
Step 4: Marinade (Optional)
If you choose to use a marinade, you can pour it over the pork butt after applying the dry rub. You can marinate the pork overnight or for a shorter period, depending on your preference and recipe.
Step 5: Cook in Crock Pot
Place the seasoned pork butt into your crock pot, fat side up or down depending on your preference. Set the crock pot to the desired temperature and cooking time, typically low and slow for pork butt.
Step 6: Rest and Shred
Once the pork butt is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and wrap it tightly in foil and then towels. Let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2-3 hours. Shred the pork while it is still hot, as it will fall apart easily. You can then serve it immediately or save it for later.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork butt in a crock pot depend on the weight of the cut of meat and the number of portions you want to get from it. For example, a 5-pound pork butt or pork shoulder will yield more portions than a 3-pound cut.
It's recommended to cook pork butt on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 5 hours. The meat should be falling apart and easily shreddable with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 200°F to ensure that all the connective tissues break down.
If you want to speed up the cooking time, you can cut the pork butt into 2 or 3 equal pieces, as the smaller the pieces, the faster they cook. However, it's important to note that cooking on high heat can cause the meat to lose moisture and become dry and stringy.
To get crispy blackened edges on your pork butt, you can sear the meat in a skillet or roasting pan before placing it in the crock pot. This step adds flavour and seals in the juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
After cooking, let the pork rest for at least 20 minutes to an hour. This allows the interior juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister end result. Don't forget to incorporate the cooking liquid back into the shredded pork for added flavour and moisture.
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How to make the meat tender
To make tender meat in a crock pot, the key is to cook the pork butt slowly on low heat for a long time. This can range from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the cut of meat. For example, a whole pork butt weighing 5-7 pounds will take about 8-10 hours to cook on low heat, whereas splitting the meat in half will reduce the cooking time to 6-8 hours. If you are cooking a pork butt roast, it is recommended to cook it for 5-6 hours on low heat.
It is important to note that the crock pot should not be set to high heat, as this will result in meat that is cooked but not tender and juicy. Instead, the crock pot should be set to low heat, which is usually around 190 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure that all the collagen and connective tissues break down and give the meat its tender, juicy texture. The ideal temperature for the interior of the meat is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes above 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat will become dry and stringy.
To check if the meat is tender, you can use a fork to see how easily it shreds. If it doesn't shred easily, it needs more cooking time. Once the meat is tender, let it rest for at least 20 minutes, but preferably for an hour, before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a moister texture.
To enhance the flavour of the meat, you can add a small amount of extra liquid to the crock pot. You can also infuse flavour by cutting little slits into the roast and inserting garlic slivers or a dry rub made with brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Another option is to brine the meat in a vinegar-based solution for 24-48 hours before cooking it in the crock pot.
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What to do with the juices
So, you've cooked your pork butt in a crockpot and now you're wondering what to do with all that delicious juice left over in the pot. Well, wonder no more! Here are some ideas to make the most of those juices and take your cooking to the next level:
Firstly, it's important to note that you should not discard the cooking liquid! Those juices are full of flavour and can be used to enhance your dish. One option is to simply pour the juices back over the shredded pork. If you're not a fan of fat, you can chill the juices in the fridge first, allowing the fat to harden, and then discard it before pouring the remaining juices over your meat.
Alternatively, you can get creative and use the juices as a base for a sauce or gravy. For instance, you could make a dark roux by combining butter or fat with flour in a pot and slowly adding the juices. Add some herbs and spices, like thyme, parsley, peppercorns, and sage, and you've got yourself a delicious gravy. A splash of balsamic or apple cider vinegar can also be added if your gravy turns out too sweet.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use the juices to cook rice, adding a whole new dimension of flavour to your dish. Or, brush your shredded meat with the juices and grill or broil it for an extra juicy bite.
The options are endless, but one thing is clear: don't let those precious juices go to waste!
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What to serve with the pork
Slow-cooked pork butt is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic choice. You can set out a basket of rolls and let your guests create their own sandwiches. For an extra crispy texture, you can sear the edges of the pork before placing it in the slow cooker. You can also add toppings such as BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or even turn it into a Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Grilled Cheese.
Salads
Pulled pork can be used as a topping for salads. Try it with a Mexican Coleslaw or a classic Coleslaw for a crunchy and refreshing side dish. You can also add other ingredients such as cornbread or potato salad to your salad.
Sides
Slow-cooked pork butt can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include homemade cornbread, red potato salad, rice, or grilled vegetables. If you're serving a crowd, you can also provide a variety of sides and let your guests create their own plates.
Tacos
Pulled pork tacos are a tasty and easy option. You can use soft or hard taco shells and add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, cheese, and guacamole.
Leftovers
Pulled pork leftovers freeze well and can be used for future meals. You can add them to sandwiches, tacos, or even grilled cheese. Or, simply enjoy them as is, as they are delicious on their own!
No matter how you choose to serve it, slow-cooked pork butt is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 6-10 hours to cook pork butt in a crock pot, depending on the weight of the meat and whether it has been cut into pieces.
The crock pot should be set to low heat.
The pork butt is cooked when the interior temperature reaches 195-205°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can use a fork to see how easily the pork shreds.
No, it is recommended to leave the fat on the pork butt as it adds flavour and moisture to the meat.
Don't throw away the liquid in the crock pot! You can add it back to the shredded pork for extra flavour and moisture.
