Is it pork shoulder or pork roast?
You might be asking.
Well, both.
Pork shoulder is the cut of meat that is more popular in Southern cooking and contains a higher fat content than other cuts.
On the other hand, a pork roast comes from the loin and can be roasted for shorter periods of time at high temperatures because there’s less fat on it.
To help you clear up about these two types of meat, this post will compare both of them.
What is special about pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder is a cut of meat from the front leg of the pig.
It can be roasted, smoked, braised, or barbecued to make some delicious dishes.
It has a lot more fat in the meat than other cuts so it often has to be cooked low and slow for hours at a time to keep it moist and tender.
Pork shoulder has a lot of fat in it which makes it incredibly flavorful when cooked on low heat for hours.
The high-fat content also means that pork shoulder won’t dry out or turn tough like other cuts do when cooked without any oil or fats on medium-high heat.
What is special about pork roast?
Pork roasts are a traditional dish that has been eaten for centuries.
They were originally made by roasting an entire pig, but today it is more common to cook just the meat rather than the whole animal.
Pork roast can be cooked in other ways also such as braising or curing and smoking.
Any of these methods will produce delicious results!
What are the differences between pork shoulder and pork roast?
The type of meat you choose is a matter of preference.
Pork shoulder and pork roast both have their benefits for different types of dishes, so consider the following information to better determine which would be best for your needs.
| Pork shoulder | Pork roast | |
| Texture | Pork shoulder is a cut of meat from the upper part of the pig’s front leg Pork shoulder has more fat and connective tissue than pork roast | Pork roast comes from the back leg Pork roast has less fat |
| Cooking method | Pork shoulder can be cooked for up to 24 hours without drying out | Pork roast should only be cooked for about 2-4 hours |
| Serving | Pork shoulder is best served with barbecue sauce or as pulled pork sandwiches | Pork roast can be eaten in many different ways including roasting it whole or slicing it into thin strips |
| Price | Pork shoulder costs less per pound than pork roast because it contains more bone and fat | More expensive |
What are the similarities between pork shoulder and pork roast?
1. Both pork shoulder and pork roast are usually cooked with dry heat methods, such as roasting or grilling
Pork is a meat that tends to be served with dry heat cooking methods.
Roasting and grilling are two of the most popular ways of preparing your pork shoulder or roast, but there are many other delicious dishes you can try too!
2. The cooking time for both cuts ranges between 2-5 hours depending on size and desired doneness
Depending on the size of your pork shoulder or roast, they should be cooked for between 2-5 hours.
The cooking time can vary depending on whether you want it more well done to get a nice crispy crust and moist meat inside, or if you prefer yours that’s barely pink in the middle with less fat content.
3. They have similar nutritional information (calories, protein) but differ in fat content and cholesterol levels
If you’re worried about calories, protein or fat then the choice is clear.
If cholesterol levels are your concern then that too can be easily determined.
The nutritional makeup of both pork shoulder and roast isn’t much different but their health qualities vary in a few key areas such as fats and cholesterol.
Which one is better?
| Product Comparison | Secreto Iberico De Bellota Raw Acorn-Fed Pork Shoulder Muscle from... | Pat LaFrieda Pork Butt Roast, 4 lb |
| Product Image |  |  |
| Latest Price | Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
When deciding which cut of meat to buy for a recipe, it’s important to know the differences between pork shoulder and pork roast.
Pork shoulder is fattier than other cuts but can be cooked quickly in high temperatures like grilling or frying.
The choice between which one to buy will come down to preference or what you’re making it for!
- 10 Delicious Side Dishes to Complete Your Perfect Pork Loin Steak Dinner
- 10 Deliciously Savory Pork Cuts Perfect for a Vietnamese Sandwich
- 5 Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Pork Braised in Milk
- Purple Pork: The Surprising Reason Why Your Meat Changes Color
- 10 Mouth-Watering Pork Joints For Your Sunday Dinner Delight
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase an item from Amazon through one of my links, I receive a small commission at no added cost. This helps support the site!
