Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork shoulder blade in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker is an ideal method for preparing less expensive cuts of meat, such as pork shoulder, as it transforms them into tender and tasty dishes. This cut of meat is perfect for pulled pork, and you can use a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other seasonings to lock in flavour. You can also add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and celery to the crock pot for a hearty meal. The key to achieving tender pork is to cook it on a low heat setting for 8-10 hours, allowing the collagen to fully break down into gelatin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Pork shoulder or pork butt |
| Meat weight | 3-5 pounds |
| Meat temperature | 200-205°F |
| Meat texture | Tender, fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, sage, sugar, pepper powder |
| Vegetables | Onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, celery, sweet potatoes |
| Broth | Chicken, beef, or vegetable |
| Vinegar | Apple cider, white wine, balsamic |
| Herbs | Thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram |
| Cooking time | 8-10 hours on low, 4-7 hours on high |
| Cooking method | Sear before slow cooking |
| Crockpot temperature | 325°F (163°C) |
| Storage | 3-4 days in the fridge, 4 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and searing the pork
Choosing Your Seasonings
The seasonings you select will significantly impact the flavour profile of your pork shoulder blade roast. A simple spice rub can be made using salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination locks in flavour when searing the pork. You can also experiment with other seasonings such as sugar, rosemary, thyme, sage, or any other spices you prefer. Additionally, consider using a marinade, which can be poured over the pork shoulder to enhance the flavour and ensure even seasoning.
Preparing the Pork for Searing
Before searing, it is essential to pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the surface of the meat is dry, allowing for better searing and browning. If your pork shoulder is wrapped in netting, you can remove it. Placing the pork shoulder flat in the crockpot can also help reduce cooking time.
Searing the Pork
To achieve a delicious, caramelized crust, searing the pork shoulder is essential. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the skillet and sear it on all sides until browned. Aim for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This process locks in the juices and creates a flavourful exterior. While searing the pork, you can add onions, garlic, and other aromatics to the crockpot, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish.
The Benefits of Searing
Searing the pork shoulder not only adds flavour and visual appeal but also helps retain moisture. The browning process creates a barrier that seals in the juices, ensuring the pork stays tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. Additionally, searing helps develop complex flavours and creates a desirable crust that adds texture to your final dish.
By following these steps for seasoning and searing the pork shoulder blade, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering crockpot meal that your family and friends will surely enjoy!
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Preparing the crock pot
Firstly, pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. If your pork shoulder is wrapped in netting, you can remove it at this stage. Place the pork shoulder into the crock pot. If you want to add vegetables, such as onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots, add them to the bottom of the crock pot first, before placing the pork on top.
Next, prepare your seasonings. A simple spice rub of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used to lock in flavour when searing. You can also add other seasonings such as sugar, rosemary, thyme, or sage. Mix your chosen seasonings together and pat them on top of the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Now, add your liquid. You can use a cup of broth, pouring it along the edges of the crock pot, so the seasoning stays on the pork shoulder. Alternatively, you can use a marinade, pouring it over the pork and squeezing some underneath the roast to ensure all sides are covered.
Finally, cover your crock pot with a lid and set the temperature and time. For the best texture and flavour, it is recommended to cook pork shoulder on a low heat setting for 8-10 hours. However, if you are short on time, you can cook it on a high heat setting for 6-8 hours.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for pork shoulder blade in a crock pot varies depending on the weight of the meat and the desired level of tenderness. For a smaller pork shoulder that weighs around 3 pounds, the cooking time on low heat should be around 8 hours, while for a larger 5-pound shoulder, you may need to cook it for up to 10 hours on low. The key to achieving tender pork is to cook it slowly on low heat, allowing the collagen to break down into gelatin without forcing out moisture.
When cooking on low heat, the ideal temperature range for the pork shoulder blade is between 200°F and 205°F. This temperature ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly and can be easily shredded with a fork. It is recommended to check the temperature earlier if you have a smaller cut of meat to avoid overcooking.
If you are short on time or prefer a faster cooking process, you can cook the pork shoulder on high heat. On high heat, the cooking time will be reduced to 6-7 hours for a 3-pound shoulder and up to 8 hours for a larger cut. However, keep in mind that high heat can cause muscle fibers to contract more aggressively, releasing more moisture from the meat.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific crock pot or slow cooker you are using. Different models and brands may have varying heat settings and cooking efficiencies, which can impact the overall cooking time. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to your crock pot's instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Shredding the meat
Once the pork shoulder is cooked, it should be easy to shred. Use two forks to shred the meat, pulling the meat apart along the grain. If you want to add moisture, you can shred the meat into the juices from the crockpot.
It's best to let the pork sit for at least 20 minutes, but ideally one hour, before shredding. This will give the meat time to rest and ensure it is fall-apart tender.
If you are not serving the meat immediately, separate the pork from the liquid in the crockpot. The liquid will collect a lot of fat which will harden when cooled, so it is easier to remove. Place the pork in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for 3-4 days.
The leftover liquid can be strained to remove any solids and then poured over the pork before serving. If you don't mind adding the fat back to the meat, you can pour the liquid over the pork straight after cooking.
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Storing and reheating
Storing
If you're storing your pork shoulder blade, separate the pork from the liquid in the crock pot. Place the liquid in the fridge, and once it has cooled, remove the hardened fat with a spoon. Place the pork into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the pork in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 4 months.
Reheating
When reheating your pork shoulder blade, avoid using a microwave as this may dry out the meat. Instead, use an oven or slow cooker, and be sure to save the juices to reheat with the pork. To defrost frozen pork, place it in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag in warm water for 30 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook pork shoulder on low heat for 8-10 hours. Cooking on low heat for a longer period of time is better than cooking on high heat for a shorter period of time as it allows collagen to fully break down into gelatin without forcing out moisture too quickly.
The ideal temperature for cooking pork shoulder in a crock pot is 325°F (163°C). The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 200°F and shreds easily with a fork.
Some side dishes that go well with crock pot pork shoulder include sweet apple celery coleslaw, potato rolls, brioche buns, and red potato salad.
A simple spice rub of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used to lock in flavour when searing. Other spices that can be used include rosemary, thyme, and sage.
