5 Best Pork Shoulder Substitutes

What would you say if I told you that pork shoulder was the perfect substitute for beef?

Well, it’s true!

Pork shoulder has a similar texture and flavor profile to beef, but with much less fat.

This makes it a great meat option for those who want to cut back on their red meat intake.


Pork shoulder is often overlooked because it’s considered a tough cut of meat.

But it’s actually quite tender and flavorful.

If you’re looking for a lean protein option, try substituting pork shoulder for beef or chicken.

Here are five delicious ways to prepare pork shoulder

What Is Pork Shoulder?

Pork shoulder is a cut from the upper part of the pig’s back. It consists of two muscles, the blade or loin muscle and the picnic or ham muscle. The blade muscle runs along the backbone and connects to the ribs. The picnic muscle lies between the rib cage and the spine. Both muscles are used for pork chops and roasts.
How Do I Cut Up A Pork Shoulder?
To cut up a pork shoulder, place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice off the top of the shoulder bone. Then, using a sawing motion, cut down the length of the shoulder until you reach the bottom of the blade muscle. Next, remove the blade muscle from the shoulder. Finally, cut the meat into pieces.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Pork Shoulder?

Pork shoulder takes about 3 hours to cook. This includes 30 minutes of marinating followed by 2 1/2 hours of slow cooking.

Best Substitutes For Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is a cut from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder blade. It contains a good amount of collagen which gives meat its texture and fat. Because of this, pork shoulder is very flavorful, but it is also quite fatty. In order to reduce the fat content, we recommend using lean cuts such as pork loin chops or pork tenderloins. These cuts are lower in fat and higher in protein.

1. Pork Butt (Boston Butt)

This cut is usually found behind the ribs and is typically sold bone-in. This cut is low in fat and high in flavor. It is a great substitute for pork shoulder because it has similar flavors and textures.
2. Ham
Answer: Ham is another great alternative to pork shoulder. It is a boneless ham that comes from the hind leg. It is lower in fat and higher on protein than pork shoulder.

2. Center Cut Pork Loin Roast

Pork loin roast is a lean meat that is very tender and flavorful. It is perfect for roasting or grilling.
3. Shoulder Roast
Answer: Shoulder roast is a lean cut of meat that is full of flavor. It is ideal for slow cooking or braising.

3. Boneless Pork Leg

Boneless pork leg is a lean cut of pork that is full of flavor and easy to cook. It is great for stir-frying, sautéing, barbecuing, and baking.
4. Bone-in Pork Chops
Answer: Bone-in pork chops are a lean cut of meat with a nice crusty exterior. They are great for grilling, pan searing, and oven roasting.

4. Lamb or Beef Shoulder

Lamb shoulder is a very flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooking. It is tender and juicy.
5. Loin Chop
Answer: Loin chop is a lean cut of meat that is usually sold boned. It is great for grilling, braising, and barbecuing.

5. Beef Brisket

Brisket is a tough cut of meat that needs long, slow cooking to become tender. It is used for making corned beef and pastrami.
6. Leg of lamb
Answer: Leg of lamb is a fatty cut of meat that is great for roasting. It is delicious served with mint jelly and roast potatoes.

What Meat Cuts Cannot Be Used as Pork Shoulder Substitute?

Pork shoulder is a lean cut of meat that is perfect for pork chops and sandwiches. However, if you want to substitute it for a pork shoulder, you cannot use any of the following cuts:
1. Ham
2. Bacon

Can you use any cut of pork for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is a cut from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder blade. It is usually sold either bone-in or boneless. Pork shoulder is very versatile and can be used in many different dishes. It is a lean cut of meat and cooks quickly. It is low in fat and cholesterol and contains a good amount of protein. It is a great choice for making pulled pork sandwiches or tacos.

What is the best substitute for pork shoulder?

Pork shoulder is the ideal cut for shredding because it contains a good deal of collagen, which helps to give the meat a nice texture. Pork butt is another great option because it’s leaner and has a higher ratio of fat to muscle. It’s important to note that if you’re looking to get the most tender results from your shredded pork, you’ll want to choose a cut that’s been brined. Brining cuts of pork like pork butt prior to cooking will help break down connective tissue and make the meat easier to shred.

Can you use pork loin instead of pork shoulder for pulled pork?

Carnitas is a Mexican dish where pork shoulder is cooked slowly until tender and shredded. It is usually served as tacos or burritos. Pork shoulder is very fatty and if not properly prepared, it can easily become dry and tough. To get around this problem, we recommend using ground beef instead of pork shoulder. Ground beef is lean and easy to shred. For the marinade, we suggest adding garlic powder, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and lime juice. Mix well and let sit overnight. In the morning, drain off any excess liquid from the meat. Add 1/2 cup of lard and mix well. Let sit for another hour. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meat mixture and sear for about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside. Bring the same skillet back up to medium heat and add 2 cups of water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain the meat and discard the fat. Shred the meat and serve with tortillas and salsa.

What kind of meat can you use for pulled pork?

You can use any type of meat for pulled pork. Pork shoulder, pork butt, pork loin, and even pork belly are good choices. But if you want to get the best flavor, go with pork shoulder because it has the most fat content.

What can I use instead of pork shoulder for carnitas?

Yes, but not necessarily. Pork shoulder is a cut of meat that includes the top part of the shoulder blade, the neck, and the lower back. It is usually sold either boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork shoulder is leaner than bone-in pork shoulder and is great for making pulled pork because it doesn’t get tough during cooking. However, if you prefer to make pulled pork with a bit more fat, you can use pork loin instead. Pork loin is leaner than pork shoulder and contains less fat. This means that it won’t become tough during cooking.

What pork is best for shredding?

Pork shoulder is a cut from the pig’s upper back. It is usually sold whole, but sometimes it comes sliced into individual chops. Pork shoulder is very versatile and can be used in many different dishes. It is lean, flavorful, and inexpensive. However, it does not always have great texture. For instance, if you try to braise it, it tends to fall apart. To avoid this problem, you can marinate it overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and other spices. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it a nice flavor. Once cooked, you can serve it with noodles, rice, or vegetables.

What meat can I substitute for pork shoulder?

Yes, you can use any cut of pork to make pulled pork. However, if you choose to use a shoulder, you will get better results from a bone-in roast. A boneless roast will not hold together well during the long cooking process.