BBQ aficionados know that smoked pulled pork is sheer heaven To achieve fork-tender, fall-apart texture, pork shoulder needs to be cooked low and slow over many hours. Proper thawing is an essential first step for moist, delicious pulled pork
This article will provide useful tips on the best ways to thaw a pork butt before tossing it on the smoker or grill.
Why Thaw Pork Butt Correctly?
Thawing is important for these reasons
-
Ensures even cooking: Frozen sections take longer, leading to dry meat.
-
Shortens cooking time: A thawed pork butt takes around 1-2 hours per pound to smoke vs 1.5 hours for frozen.
-
Improves smoke absorption Thawed meat absorbs smoke flavor better
-
Reduces food safety risk: Partial thawing encourages bacterial growth in “danger zone” temperatures.
So take the time to thaw pork properly for juicy pulled pork with incredible smoky flavor.
How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Pork Butt?
Thawing times vary based on the size of the pork butt:
- Small (3-4 lbs): 12-18 hours
- Medium (5-7 lbs): 24-36 hours
- Large (8-10 lbs): 48-60 hours
For exact thaw times, calculate 24 hours per 5 lbs of meat. A 10 lb butt needs 48 hours to thaw fully.
If you’re in a rush, use the cold water method to cut thaw times by 50-70%.
3 Easy Ways to Thaw Pork Butt
Follow these safe methods to thaw pork butt for smoking or roasting.
1. Refrigerator Thawing
This thawing method gives the most control:
-
Place frozen pork butt in a tray or pan to catch juices.
-
Refrigerate on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination if leaks occur.
-
Allow 24 hours per 5 lbs. For a 7 lb butt, thaw for 36 hours.
-
Cook within 3-5 days as it thaws.
Pros: Safest method, thaws evenly, retains quality.
Cons: Very slow, needs 2-3 days for a large cut.
2. Cold Water Thawing
Speed up thaw time with this technique:
-
Seal pork in a watertight plastic bag submerged in cold water.
-
Change water every 30 minutes until thawed. Use ice water to keep it cold.
-
Estimate 30 minutes per lb. A 5 lb butt will thaw in 2.5 hours.
-
Cook immediately after thawing as surface bacteria multiply faster.
Pros: Much faster than refrigerator method.
Cons: Can warm meat unevenly so cook ASAP. Don’t refreeze.
3. Microwave Thawing
Only use for very small pork cuts:
-
Unwrap pork and place in microwave-safe dish.
-
Microwave at 30% power, flipping meat every minute.
-
Pause to check until thawed. Takes 10-15 minutes for 1 lb.
-
Cook immediately as some areas may start cooking.
Pros: Very fast.
Cons: Uneven heating, edges begin cooking. Use only for ≤1 lb cuts.
Handy Pork Butt Thawing Tips
Follow these tips for safe, efficient thawing:
-
For food safety, thaw only in fridge, cold water or microwave. Never at room temperature.
-
When in doubt, go slower. Thaw in fridge vs cold water unless you’re pressed for time.
-
Thaw in original packaging or watertight bags to prevent meat drying out or absorbing water.
-
Plan ahead and thaw larger cuts over 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
-
Once thawed, cook ASAP or refreeze only if thawed in the fridge.
-
Avoid refreezing thawed pork more than once as it damages texture.
-
When pan-frying or braising small thawed cuts, pat dry thoroughly before cooking.
-
For grilling or smoking, apply rub immediately to help flavor penetrate after thawing.
5 Delicious Ways to Cook Thawed Pork Butt
Once thawed, put your pork butt to incredible use in these BBQ recipes:
1. Smoked Pulled Pork
The classic! Smoke low and slow until tender. Rest, pull and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.
2. Cuban Mojo Pork
Marinate thawed pork butt in a citrus-garlic mojo criollo. Roast until fork-tender.
3. Carnitas
Braise seasoned chunks in lard or oil until crispy. Top tacos, nachos, bowls and more.
4. Char Siu Pork
Marinate pork in a sweet Chinese barbecue sauce. Grill or roast until caramelized.
5. Pork Banh Mi
Slice a roasted pork butt and pile it into crusty Vietnamese baguette sandwiches.
The possibilities are endless for shredded, chopped or sliced thawed pork butt!
Troubleshooting Pork Butt Thawing Problems
Run into issues while thawing? Here are some quick fixes:
-
Still frozen in center: Switch to cold water method to finish thawing.
-
Drying out: Keep sealed in bag and minimize air exposure after thawing.
-
Thawed unevenly: Cook low and slow to even out. Monitor temperature carefully.
-
Partially thawed then frozen again: Thaw fully before attempting to refreeze. Don’t refreeze more than once.
-
Forgot to thaw: Use cold water method if you have 8-12 hours. Otherwise, cook from frozen at 275°F.
Storing Thawed Pork Butt Safely
Follow proper storage guidelines after thawing:
-
Cook thawed pork within 3-5 days if thawed in fridge.
-
Cook immediately if using cold water or microwave thawing.
-
Refreeze only meat thawed in the refrigerator. Freeze as soon as possible.
-
When reheating thawed cooked pork, reheat fully to 165°F internal temperature.
-
Store thawed raw pork in the fridge. Freeze at 0°F or below for 6-9 months.
Proper thawing, storage and handling prevents harmful bacteria growth.
Get Perfectly Thawed Pork for Your Next BBQ
Learning how to correctly thaw pork butt enables you to whip up insanely delicious pulled pork and other smoked pork dishes.
Use the handy times and techniques in this article to safely thaw pork butt for your upcoming cookouts. Feel free to experiment with different rubs, marinades and sauces once the meat is thawed.
Smoked pulled pork and carnitas are just two examples of the amazing recipes you can create with properly thawed pork shoulder.
How to cook a Frozen Boston Butt on a Pellet Smoker
FAQ
Is it OK to leave pork out overnight to thaw?
How to defrost pork quickly?
How long does it take to thaw pulled pork in the fridge?
How do you defrost pork in cold water?
How do you thaw frozen pork butt?
Once the water feels cold enough, place the frozen pork butt in the sink and let the cold water run over it, turning it over every so often. It’s important to thaw out one pound of pork butt per gallon of water. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound to thaw out completely.
How long does it take to thaw a pound of pork?
This method takes about 30 minutes per pound to thaw out completely. For example, a 10-pound pork butt would take approximately five hours to defrost using this method. Make sure to keep the pork butt in its wrapping the entire time and never use room temperature or hot water for this technique.
Is it safe to thaw pork butt?
Thawing pork butt in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below is the safest method because it keeps the meat at a cold temperature throughout the process. This slows down bacterial growth and helps ensure that the meat stays fresh and safe to eat.
How to defrost pork butt?
The refrigerator thawing method is the most recommended and safest way to defrost pork butt. This method involves using the cold temperature of the refrigerator to slowly thaw the frozen meat. It’s important to note that this method requires some planning ahead, as it can take up to 24 hours for every five pounds of meat to fully defrost.