9 Different Types of Pork Cuts (With IMAGES)

Pork cuts are a great source of protein.

They also come in various forms, such as chops, roasts, steaks, ribs, etc.

How do you choose the right cut?


There are nine different types of pork cuts, each with its own unique characteristics.

Choosing the right cut can be tricky because they look similar.

If you don’t know what type of cut you want, ask your butcher or check out our guide to pork cuts.


Xw_8yYZiQ2I
You can choose from three main categories of pork cuts: loin, shoulder, and leg.

The loin consists of the tenderloin, sirloin, and top round.

These are lean cuts that cook well and taste good.

Shoulders are meatier and contain more fat.

Leg cuts include the ham, shank, and blade.

Ham has a mild flavor, while the shank is flavorful and full of collagen.

Blade is a boneless piece of meat that comes from the leg

What Are Pork Cuts?

Pork cuts are a group of different types of pork meat that are used for various culinary purposes. These cuts are usually classified into three main categories – loin, shoulder, and leg/ham. Each category contains several subcategories based on the anatomical location of the cut. For instance, the loin includes chops, roasts, tenderloins, sirloin, and rib roasts. The shoulder includes roasts, ribs, and country ham. And finally, the leg/ham includes shanks, legs, and hams.

Different Types of Pork Cuts

Pork cuts are categorized into three main groups – loin, shoulder and leg/ham. Loin includes chops, roast, tenderloin, sirloin and rib roasts. Shoulder includes roasts, ribs and country ham. Leg/Ham includes shanks, legs and hams.

1. Pork butt (or Boston butt)

This cut is usually found in the hindquarter of the pig. It is lean and flavorful. This cut is used for making bacon.
2. Pork chop
Answer: This cut comes from the front quarter of the hog. It is lean and very popular.

2. Picnic Shoulder

This cut comes from the shoulder area of the pig. It has a good flavor and tender texture.
3. Loin Chop
Answer: This cut is taken from the loin of the pig. It contains a fair amount of fat and is therefore not recommended for cooking.

3. Pork Loin

Pork loin is a lean meat and is very popular among people who prefer eating pork. It is usually cooked using different methods such as grilling, roasting, barbecuing, sautéing, stir-frying, braising, stewing, baking, and poaching.
4. Leg Ham
Answer: Leg ham is a type of cured ham that is made from the leg portion of the pig. It is usually sold in vacuum packs and is ready to eat after opening.

4. Pork Ham

Pork ham is a type of processed ham that comes from the leg portion of a hog. It is usually sold as a boneless cut and is ready to eat right away.
5. Bacon
Answer: Bacon is a type of smoked bacon that is made from the belly of pigs. It is usually sold uncured and is ready to eat straight away.

5. Pork Side

Pork side is a type of pork that is used for making sausages. It is usually sold cured and is ready to eat after being cooked.
6. Ham
Ham is a type of processed meat that comes from the hind legs of pigs. It is normally sold as a boneless piece and is ready to eat immediately.

6. Spare Rib

5. Pork Side
Pig’s leg is cut into two parts; the front part is called shoulder and the back part is called ham. The shoulder contains the loin and the blade bone. The ham is the area between the shoulder and the leg. This is where we get our ham.
6. Ham Boneless

7. Pork jowl

1. Spare ribs
2. Shoulder
3. Loin
4. Blade Bone
5. Ham
6. Ham boneless
7. Jowl

8. Pork Tail

1. Spare Ribs
2. Shoulder cut across the bone

9. Pork Belly or Side

8. Pork tail
1. Spare ribs
2. Shoulder across the bone
9 pork belly or side

Frequently Asked Questions

Pork belly is a fatty cut from the loin area of the pig. It’s usually sold whole and sliced into strips. Pork belly is typically used in Chinese cuisine where it is braised until tender and served with vegetables.
Pork belly is very rich in fat and contains a higher proportion of intramuscular fat compared to other cuts of meat. This makes it suitable for long slow cooking methods such as braising.
It is also popular in Western cuisines because of its flavor and texture. In addition, it is inexpensive and easy to cook.

What Are the Different Cuts of Pork?

There are many different types of pork available. These include loins the main part of the pork, shoulders, bellies, legs, ribs, chops, and bacon. Each type of pork has its own unique characteristics and uses. For instance, the loin is lean and tender while the shoulder is fattier and flavorful.
How Do I Know if My Pork Shoulder Is Ready?
Answer: Pork shoulder is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. To check the temperature, insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest portion of the roast.

Which Is the Tastiest Cut of Pork?

Pork belly is a very fatty cut of meat and is usually used for making sausages. It is very tasty and tender but not suitable for grilling because it tends to dry out easily.
What Kind Of Pork Should I Buy?
Answer: Ask yourself what kind of pork you prefer. Then buy the right cut of pork for your needs.

What Is a Good Cut of Pork for A Roast?

A good roast pork is lean and tender. It is cooked slowly until it reaches the desired degree of doneness.
How Do You Know if Pork Has Been Cured?
Answer: Look for the words “cure” or “pink salt” on the label. Cure is a process where salt is added to the meat to preserve it. Pink salt is sodium nitrite a preservative mixed with salt.

What Is the Leanest Cut of Pork?

Pork loin is the leanest cut of pork. It contains very little fat.

What Is the Most Expensive Cut of Pork?

Pork belly is the most expensive cut of pork. It has a lot of fat content.

What Are the Cheapest Cuts of Pork?

Pork loin chops are the cheapest cuts of pork. It is lean meat.
How Do I Know if My Pork Should Be Roasted or Broiled?
Answer: To roast or broil pork, you should marinate it first. Marinating helps tenderize the meat and gives it flavor.

What Is the Difference Between Berkshire Pork and Regular Pork?

Berkshire pork is a breed of pig that originated in England. It is known for its rich flavor and tenderness. It is usually sold whole, but it can be cut into roasts or chops.

Is Berkshire Pork Better Than Regular Pork?

Yes, Berkshire pork is better than regular pork because it has a higher fat content. This gives it a richer taste and texture. It is leaner than regular pork, making it healthier. It is also very flavorful.

What Are the Most Popular Cuts of Pork?

Pork loin is the most popular cut of pork. It is usually sold whole, half, or cut into chops. Other cuts of pork include shoulder, leg, belly, ham, and bacon.

What are the different cuts of pork?

Pork is a popular meat worldwide. It is used in many cuisines around the world. Pork is usually sold whole, but it can also be cut into different parts such as shoulder, loin, leg, belly, ham, bacon, ribs, chops, and tenderloins. These are the most common cuts.

What are the 5 main cuts that come from pork?

Pork is a lean meat that contains about 10% fat. It is very versatile and can be used in many different ways. Pork is usually sold either raw or cooked. Raw pork is called fresh pork while cooked pork is known as cured pork. Cured pork is usually cut into chops, loins, ribs, tenderloin, bacon, ham, sausage, and other products.

What are the most common pork cuts?

Pork is one of the most popular meats around the world. It is used in many different ways such as sausages, bacon, ham, chops, roasts, ribs, loins, shoulders, and legs. Pork is very versatile and can be cooked in many different ways. This article will give you information about the five main cuts of pork.

What are the most common cuts of pork?

Pork is a lean meat and contains very little fat. It is usually cut into chops, ribs, loin, shoulder, belly, ham, bacon, sausage, and chitterlings. Pork is a versatile meat and is used in many dishes such as sausages, bacon, ham, and breakfast meats. Pork is also eaten cooked or uncooked.