A juicy, tender pulled pork sandwich is one of life’s greatest pleasures. When you forgot to thaw the pork butt though, it can seem impossible to still achieve this blissful meal But have no fear! With the right techniques, even frozen pork butt can transform into fork-tender, flavorful pulled pork. In this complete guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a delicious frozen pork butt, from thawing methods to serving suggestions Let’s get started!
Selecting and Preparing the Pork Butt
The first step is choosing the right cut of meat. Opt for a bone-in pork butt roast, ideally 4-8 pounds. Bone-in cuts taste better, and you want a big enough cut to shred. Check the packaging; the pork should be bright red and have little to no frost or freezer burn.
Once you’ve selected the perfect pork butt, proper thawing is key. Here are some safe thawing methods:
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Refrigerator – Unwrap and place on a tray, Thaw for 24-48 hours
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Cold Water – Seal in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water Change water every 30 mins
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Microwave – Use defrost setting in short intervals to gently thaw.
Avoid thawing at room temperature, as bacteria can multiply quickly. Pat the thawed pork dry before the next step.
Seasoning Your Pork Butt
For incredible flavor, coat the pork butt generously with a dry rub. A basic rub contains:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Rub the mix over the entire pork butt. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate. The seasoning will form a tasty crust when cooked.
Choosing Your Cooking Method
You can cook a frozen pork butt in either the oven or a slow cooker. Here are both methods:
Oven Method
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Place butt in a roasting pan, fat-side up.
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Cover pan tightly with foil.
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Roast for 8-10 hours until fork tender.
Slow Cooker Method
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Place seasoned butt in a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Add 1 cup chicken broth.
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Cook on low for 10-12 hours.
Step-by-Step Oven Cooking Guide
For delicious oven pulled pork, follow these simple steps:
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Place seasoned pork butt fat-side up in a roasting pan.
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Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil.
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Cook for 8-10 hours, until pork is very tender.
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Remove pork from oven and let rest for 20 minutes.
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Using two forks, shred pork by pulling it apart into strands.
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Mix in any pan juices and serve!
The low temperature and foil cover keeps the pork incredibly moist as it slowly cooks. Be patient – the long cooking time is worth it!
Is It Done? How to Tell
Since the pork cooks for so long, how do you know when it’s finished? Here are some doneness indicators:
- Meat pulls apart easily with a fork
- Internal temperature reaches 200°F
- Bone pulls out cleanly (if bone-in)
Use tongs to test tenderness in a few spots. If the pork isn’t shredding easily, cover and continue cooking until it does.
Serving Suggestions
The finished pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are just some serving ideas:
- Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw
- Tacos with pineapple salsa
- Nachos loaded with pulled pork
- Quesadillas with cheese and pork
- Hash with eggs, potatoes and pork
- Top a pizza with pulled pork
Get creative with toppings and sides to put your juicy pork butt to delicious use!
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Pulled pork freezes beautifully, so take advantage! Follow these tips:
- Let cool completely before freezing.
- Portion into sealed freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then gently warm in the microwave, in a skillet, or back in the oven.
Cook Frozen Pork Butt Like a Pro!
With the right techniques, you can transform a frozen pork butt into the star of an incredible meal. Thaw completely, season generously, and cook low and slow until fall-apart tender. Top with your favorite sauces or sides and you have an easy crowd-pleasing dish. Even novice cooks can masterfully prepare frozen pork butt with these helpful tips. From game day foods to summer barbecues, pulled pork is a versatile addition to please any crowd.
Common Frozen Pork Butt Questions
Can you cook a frozen pork butt in a crockpot?
Yes, a frozen pork butt can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker without thawing first. Add 1 cup liquid like broth or apple juice. Cook on low 8-10 hours until fork tender.
Should you wrap pork butt in foil while cooking?
Wrapping the pork butt in foil while it cooks helps keep it moist and tender. Cover tightly with heavy duty foil, leaving some room for heat circulation.
How long per pound does a frozen pork butt take to cook?
A good estimate is about 30 minutes per pound for a frozen pork butt. So a 5 lb butt takes around 2.5 hours at 300°F. Always check for doneness by the tenderness.
Can I speed up cooking by increasing the oven temperature?
It’s best to keep the oven temperature between 250-325°F. Higher temperatures risk drying out the exterior before the interior cooks through. Low and slow is key for perfect pulled pork.
Is it safe to eat pork that is pink inside?
Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. The pork may have a slight pink tint at this temp, but it is perfectly safe to eat and not undercooked.
Can I use a meat thermometer with a frozen pork butt?
Yes, you can insert a meat thermometer into a frozen pork butt to monitor the internal temperature. Just make sure it is pushed deep into the thickest part of the meat away from any bones.
I hope these tips give you the knowledge to confidently cook up incredible pulled pork, even starting from frozen. Now grab your favorite BBQ sauce and buns – it’s time to feast!
Method 1: Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it approach, the slow cooker is your best friend. Here’s how to cook a frozen pork roast using this convenient method:
- Putting the frozen pork roast in the fridge overnight will help it thaw some.
- To make the flavor better, sear the roast on all sides in a hot skillet.
- Add your favorite spices and aromatics to the slow cooker after adding the seared roast.
- For 8 to 10 hours on low heat or 4 to 6 hours on high heat, until the pork is soft and juicy.
- Take the roast out of the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then cut it into slices that are juicy and perfect.
If you want the outside of your pork roast to be crispy, you should cook it in the oven. Follow these steps to cook a frozen pork roast in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Putting the frozen pork roast in the fridge overnight will help it thaw some.
- Season the roast with your favorite herbs and spices.
- To roast the meat, put it on a rack in a pan with the fat side facing up.
- It should be cooked for about 25 to 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Take the roast out of the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices can spread out again.
- Cut the roast into pieces and serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Method 3: Pressure Cooker
If time is of the essence, the pressure cooker can be a game-changer. Here’s how to cook a frozen pork roast using this speedy method:
- Putting the frozen pork roast in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes will help it thaw some.
- Use the sauté function of your pressure cooker to brown the roast on all sides.
- Put in the seasonings you want, shut the lid, and set the pressure cooker to high pressure.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes per pound.
- After the cooking time is up, let the pressure drop naturally for 10 minutes and then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Take the roast out of the pressure cooker with care and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it.
- Serve your favorite sides with the tender and flavorful pork roast.
Now that you know these three foolproof methods, you can confidently cook a frozen pork roast anytime. The next time you find a frozen pork roast in the freezer, don’t worry—just pick the method that works best for you and enjoy a tasty, easy meal! Share your experience and tips for cooking frozen pork roast in the
How to cook a Frozen Boston Butt on a Pellet Smoker
FAQ
Can you cook pork straight from frozen?
How to cook frozen pulled pork in the oven?
Can you marinate frozen pork shoulder?
How do you cook frozen Butt?
In a small bowl combine all your dry seasonings together. Sprinkle on top of frozen meat and pat down to stick. Pour broth or water with liquid smoke, stir together. Place frozen butt in the center of your pot. Close lid and steam valve and set to high pressure for 1 hour 45 minutes. This timing is appropriate for 3-4 lb. size roast.
How long does it take to cook frozen pork butt?
If you follow this recipe exactly, you’ll see that we call for using three pounds of frozen pork butt, which equals out to 66 minutes of cooking time. Once again, we use the formula of multiplying the total number of pounds by 22.
How long do you Pressure Cook a frozen pork butt?
For example, if you have a 6-pound frozen pork butt, you’ll need to add an extra 20 minutes of cooking time (5 minutes per pound) for a total of 65 minutes of pressure cooking time with a natural release. After the cooking time is up and the pressure has naturally released, check to see if the pork butt is fork-tender.
Can You Slow Roast a frozen pork butt?
If you prefer to slow roast your pork butt in the oven, it is possible to do so even if your meat is frozen. However, the cooking time will be longer than if you were cooking a fresh pork butt. To slow roast a frozen pork butt, preheat your oven to 250°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, a wire rack, and a heavy spray of PAM.