The Biggest Difference Between The Pork Shoulder Blade Roast And The Pork Boston Butt

A Boston Butt or Pork Shoulder Blade Roast is made up of meat from the top part of the pig’s shoulder, whereas a Pork Spare Rib Roast comes from lower down on the animal.
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The two are very similar in taste and tenderness, but there are some differences to take into consideration when deciding which one to buy.
This post will compare these two cuts.
What is special about pork shoulder blade roast?
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Pork shoulder blade roast is a cut of meat that can be used in various recipes and dishes.
It’s named for the bone that runs along one side, which gives it a distinctive shape.
The shoulder blade also connects to the arm, so this part of the pig is often called “the picnic.”
This cut takes longer to cook than some cuts because it’s less tender, but it has loads of flavor from all those connective tissues and bones.
What is special about Boston butt?
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Boston butt is a cut of pork that comes from the shoulder area and it’s one of the most flavorful cuts on the pig.
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It has plenty of fat marbling, which makes for an irresistibly juicy cut when cooked low-and-slow over indirect heat.
It can be used to make pulled pork sandwiches or as an ingredient in other dishes like succotash and barbecued beans.
What are the differences between pork shoulder blade roast and Boston butt?
We all know that there are many differences between pork shoulder blade roast and Boston butt. This table will show what those differences are so it can help with selecting which one to purchase for your next big cooking project!
Pork shoulder blade roast | Boston butt | |
Texture | Pork shoulder blade roast is a leaner cut of meat and has more connective tissue | Boston butt is fattier |
Flavor | The flavor of pork shoulder blade roast is milder and sweeter than that of Boston butt | Boston butt requires less seasoning than pork shoulder blade roast because it’s already very flavorful |
Cooking method | Pork shoulder blade roast can be cooked in the oven or slow cooker. Pork shoulder blade roast has a longer cooking time than Boston butt | Boston butt needs to be cooked on the grill Boston butt can be used in any dish that requires pork shoulder or ham |
Price | Pork shoulder blade roasts are typically cheaper than Boston butts because they have a less fat content | More expensive |
What are the similarities between pork shoulder blade roast and Boston butt?
1. They’re both used in pulled pork sandwiches
The pork shoulder blade roast and Boston butt are both used in pulled pork sandwiches.
The meat is usually slow roasted for hours to create an easy-to-pull texture, then served on a classic bun with your favorite BBQ sauce!
2. They’re both cooked by braising or slow cooking
The shoulder blade roast is a cut that requires slow cooking, sometimes called braising.
Braised and pulled pork are both variations of this dish in which the meat becomes tender from being cooked for long periods of time with liquid like broth or wine.
3. Both cuts should be cooked at low temperatures for an extended period of time to ensure they’re tender and juicy
You’ll need to cook your pork shoulder blade roast and Boston butt for an extended period of time at a low temperature, ensuring that they’re tender and juicy.
4. Both cuts have an excellent flavor when roasted with herbs and spices such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, black pepper, salt, and red wine vinegar
In a search for the perfect pork roast, it’s worth trying these two delicious options.
Pork shoulder blade roast has an excellent flavor when roasted with herbs and spices such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage black pepper salt, and red wine vinegar which can make your meal that much more flavorful.
Which one is better?
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So which one should you buy? The two are very similar in taste and tenderness, but there are some other small factors to take into consideration when deciding which one to buy.
If you’re looking for a roast that is more economical, go with the Boston Butt Roast.
But if the price isn’t an issue and it’s flavor or tenderness you want to consider, then we would suggest going with the Pork Spare Rib Roast instead.
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