Why Does My Pork Shoulder Smell Like Rotten Eggs: Causes & Fixes

Pork shoulder is a very popular cut of meat.

It’s also one of the cheaper meats out there, which makes it a favorite for families on a budget.

If you’ve ever cooked pork shoulder and noticed an odor similar to rotten eggs, don’t worry! You’re not alone.

This article will explore how pork shoulder smells, whether we can eat it if it does smell like eggs, and tips on how to get rid of that unpleasant odor!

Why Does Pork Shoulder Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

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Pork shoulder has a strong, distinct smell.

It can be overwhelming if you are not used to it.

However, what is the reason for this?

Chemical Compound in Pork Shoulder

The smell can be quite strong and unpleasant, but the answer as to why this happens is actually really simple: high levels of organic sulfur compounds in the meat produce these odors.

The meat smells like eggs due to being uncured or cured with saltpeter, which contains sodium nitrate that breaks down into sodium nitrite and then into nitric oxide when cooking.

This chemical compound is responsible for giving bacon its distinctive smoky flavor as well as preserving it without refrigeration.

The Fat Content of Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder has a good amount of fat surrounding it which can produce harsh odors when not cooked.

When improperly cooked, these fats are released into the air, which can cause an odor similar to sulfur or other unpleasant smells.

If you’ve ever smelled a pork shoulder that has gone bad, it might have made your stomach turn.

Pork is one of the meats most prone to spoilage because of its high fat content and lack of air circulation.

When bacteria in the meat break down these proteins, they produce sulfides, which are what causes that rotten egg smell.

This can happen even when the meat is kept cold due to improper handling or storage after cooking!

Bacteria in the Spoiled Meat

It turns out that something called Trichinella spiralis, which is a type of roundworm, can cause this unpleasant odor when it gets into the muscle tissues.

The infection occurs when people eat raw or undercooked pork infected with these worms.

Fortunately, cooking pork at an adequate temperature will kill any parasite eggs present and prevent illness from occurring.

Is It Safe to Eat Pork Shoulder Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

There is nothing worse than realizing that the meat you just bought and planned on cooking for dinner smells like rotten eggs.

The stench can be quite alarming and leave a bad impression of pork shoulder in general.

This could be an indication of spoilage, or it could just mean the meat has not been stored properly.

The best thing to do is take a look at where the pork was kept before cooking and see if there are any signs of bugs or rodents getting into the product as well since these animals carry bacteria too.

If this happens, then people should throw the meat away immediately so no one gets sick from eating spoiled pork products.

While this may seem like an obvious sign that the meat has gone bad, there are actually some cases where it could still be safe to eat such as when pork shoulder smells like rotten eggs but isn’t slimy or discolored.

If that’s the case, then you might want to check out the tips below in order to get rid of the smell!

How to Get Rid of Rotten Egg Smell from Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is a favorite dish for many people, but it can be tough to cook it just right.

One of the most common complaints about pork shoulder is that it smells like rotten eggs.

There’s no easy way around this problem, but luckily there are ways that we can prevent it.

Trimming of Excess Bits

The first step in cooking your pork correctly is to take out all visible fat by trimming off any excess bits with a sharp knife before cooking it.

Second, be sure to dry the meat well after washing it, so there’s no water left on its surface for bacteria growth.

Rinsing the Meat Real Good

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Some suggestions include soaking the roast overnight in cold water with salt and baking soda, or boiling the pork with vinegar beforehand.

The key is not getting anything on your hands or clothes while handling this meat because it will cling strongly for hours after if you do!

Using Fresh Ingredients

The best way to avoid this problem is by using fresh ingredients and storing perishable foods properly in the refrigerator until ready for use.

Not only will you have a more enjoyable dinner experience, but it also can help extend their lifespan!

Marinating the Meat

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Some ways to reduce this problem include using marinades or to use herbs and vegetables to clear out the weird smell such as:

• place onion slices in the pan with the meat while it cooks;
• add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice into boiling water before adding it to your dish;
• soak garlic cloves in white wine and then add both ingredients to your food.

These methods work because their strong flavors cover up any lingering smells.

The Bottom Line

It is very important that you know what to do when your pork shoulder smells like rotten eggs.

If this happens try adding some citrus juice or vinegar to your recipe as they both act as natural meat tenderizers that will give your dish extra flavor!

If you have any other tips to clear out the unpleasant smell for pork shoulder, tell us in the comment section below!