3 Best Pork For Shredding: What Is The Most Suitable Cut Of Pork For Shredding?

Shopping for the perfect pork is not a hassle, but it is not as easy as you thought.

When it comes to buying pork for shredding, there are some pork cuts that work better than others.

With this post, we have narrowed down the top three pork cuts that are perfect for pulled pork.

Let’s check it out!

How to choose pork for shredding?

It is important to know how to choose pork for shredding.

Some people are looking for a specific cut of meat, while others may be looking for the best price.

You can use this guide to help figure out which cuts are best suited for your needs:

1.    Select a cut of pork that has a good layer of fat on the outside

It is not a compulsory factor to choose pork for shredding.

However, with a well-marbled pork cut, the resulting dish will be more flavorful and juicy.

Normally, a cut with some fat has a tough texture.

But to make pulled pork, your pork cut will be slow-cooked until tender and easily pulled apart.

Therefore, opting for a tough cut of pork will be a good choice because it is affordable, juicy, flavorful, and tender after a long cooking time.

2.    Purchase a fresh cut without any weird identification

Another tip to have the best pork for shredding is to always buy a fresh cut of pork.

Some people might think it will be fine to purchase a frozen cut for a slow-cooking recipe because the meat will be tenderized anyway and become fork-tender.

In fact, you can see the difference in the flavor profile and texture of the two dishes, one made with a fresh cut and the other made with a frozen one.

A fresh cut of pork is a cut without any weird signs like grey and black spots, an unpleasant smell, or a watery texture.

3.    Buy in bulk to save money

Since shredded pork freezes well, you can buy fresh pork in bulk to save money and the leftover pulled pork can be stored in the freezer.

If you don’t prefer frozen foods, you can invite some friends or relatives to share the whole big cut of pork to get a better price when buying it from a local butcher shop or grocery store.

3 best pork cuts for shredding

Now you know the three main factors that come into play when choosing the pork for shredding.

But what cuts of pork should you buy to make this dish?

Check the following suggestions of the best pork for shredding from us:

1.    Pork shoulder

Pork shoulder is a classic cut for making pulled pork as well as many other slow-cooking or quick-cooking recipes.

This versatile cut works well with different cooking techniques and when properly cooked, it is tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Pork shoulder is also an economical cut of pork that will save you some money and can be added to your family’s weekly diet.

2.    Pork butt

If there is no cut of pork shoulder available in your local butcher shop or grocery store, let’s look for the pork butt instead.

This is a cut from the upper portion of the pig’s shoulder, not from the butt like the name implies.

Pork butt can be labeled “Boston butt” in some supermarkets or grocery stores.

It shares the same texture and flavor as a pork shoulder, making it a perfect substitute for pork shoulder in a shredding recipe.

3.    Pork loin

Pork loin is a favorite cut for making pulled pork for some people.

Although it is much leaner than a pork shoulder, it can still be juicy if properly cooked.

Pork loin is a rich source of lean protein with a very low fat content, making it an ideal option for people who are looking for a healthier diet and lose some weight.

The bottom line

So which cut of pork will you choose for pulled pork?

Well, it depends on your preference because these pork cuts are not significantly different in flavor profile and texture.

The best part about all these cuts is they are affordable.

Therefore, instead of settling for one kind when you can have three options available on the market, try out our top picks today!