Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is one of the most versatile cuts of pork. With the right cooking method, pork shoulder can be transformed into juicy pulled pork, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and more. But what if all you can find at the store are pork shoulder steaks? Can these be used to make pulled pork?

The short answer is yes! Pork shoulder steaks can absolutely be used for pulled pork with delicious results. While a whole pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal, shoulder steaks will still become fall-apart tender and shreddable when slow cooked.

In this complete guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about using pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork. including

• What is Pork Shoulder and How is it Different from Pork Shoulder Steaks?
• Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Pork Shoulder Steaks?
• How to Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks for Pulled Pork
• Tips for Maximizing Tenderness
• How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks
• What Temperature to Cook Them To
• How to Shred and Serve Pulled Pork from Steaks
• Flavorful Rub and Sauce Recipes

What is Pork Shoulder and How is it Different from Pork Shoulder Steaks?

Pork shoulder, also called Boston butt or Boston shoulder is a large triangular cut that comes from the upper portion of the front leg of the pig. This is a well-exercised area of the animal, so the meat contains a lot of collagen and fat, making it ideal for slow cooking.

Pork shoulder is usually sold in large roasts weighing 6-8 pounds or more. Pork shoulder steaks are simply slices cut from a whole pork shoulder. The steaks are usually 1-2 inches thick and weigh around 1/2 to 1 pound each.

Besides coming in smaller portions, the main difference is that shoulder steaks have a higher surface area exposed to heat during cooking compared to a big roast. This means they can dry out faster. However, with the right cooking method, pork shoulder steaks produce incredibly moist pulled pork.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Pork Shoulder Steaks?

There are really only two potential drawbacks:

1. Cooking Time May be Shorter

The cooking time may be slightly reduced, since shoulder steaks are thinner cuts that will heat and cook faster. A whole 6-8 pound pork shoulder could take 8-12 hours to become fall-apart tender. Shoulder steaks may only need 4-6 hours depending on thickness.

2. Higher Chance of Drying Out

With more surface area exposed compared to an intact roast, pork shoulder steaks can dry out if cooked improperly. Follow the tips below to keep them moist and juicy!

Besides needing a little less time in the oven or slow cooker, pork shoulder steaks can be used almost interchangeably with a pork shoulder roast. With the right methods, you can achieve amazing pulled pork from shoulder steaks.

How to Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks for Pulled Pork

These methods will produce fork-tender steaks that shred beautifully:

• Slow Cooker: Place steaks in a slow cooker with 1 cup broth or water. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

• Oven: Brown steaks on both sides in a skillet, then transfer to a Dutch oven or baking dish. Add 1 cup broth or water and cover. Cook at 300°F for 4-6 hours until fall-apart tender.

• Instant Pot: Season steaks and brown in Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add 1 cup broth or water. Cook at high pressure for 60-90 minutes depending on thickness.

• Stovetop: Brown steaks, then simmer in broth in a Dutch oven for 2-3 hours until tender.

The key is to cook low and slow, and make sure to keep the steaks moist, whether in a slow cooker on low or in the oven covered. Use broth, water, or sauce in the cooking container.

Tips for Maximizing Tenderness

Here are some tips for getting the most tender pulled pork from shoulder steaks:

• Trim excess fat: Too much external fat can prevent moisture from penetrating into the meat. Trim off any thick fat caps. Leave a thin layer of fat for flavor.

• Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to lightly score any remaining fat cap in a crisscross pattern. This helps allow sauce and moisture to penetrate fully.

• Brown before braising: Browning the steaks in batches before braising enhances flavor and tenderness.

• Slice across the grain after cooking: After cooking, slice the steaks across the grain into thin slices for easy shredding.

• Let them rest before pulling: Let steaks rest for 10-30 minutes before pulling to allow juices to absorb.

How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks

• For 1-inch thick steaks allow 4-5 hours of cooking time, minimum.

• For 2-inch thick steaks allow 6-8 hours of cooking time for maximum tenderness.

Poke the steaks with a fork to test doneness. When the meat shreds easily, it’s ready. If still tough, continue cooking until fork tender.

Aim for an internal temperature of 200-205°F when cooked. At this temperature the connective tissue has melted into the meat, ensuring tender pulled pork.

What Temperature to Cook Them To

Cook pork shoulder steaks to an internal temperature of 200-205°F for ideal tenderness. At around 195°F, the collagen will start to melt into succulent gelatin and the meat will become shreddable.

Aim for 205°F in the thickest part of the meat for maximum melt-in-your mouth texture. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.

You want the intramuscular fat and connective tissue to fully render at these higher temperatures. This is what transforms a potentially tough cut into beautiful pulled pork.

How to Shred and Serve Pulled Pork from Steaks

Once cooked to 205°F, remove the pork shoulder steaks from the cooking container. Let them rest 10-30 minutes so the juices redistribute.

To pull the pork, simply use two forks to shred the meat, slicing across the grain if needed. Discard any excess fat or gristle.

Moisten with cooking juices or barbecue sauce. The juicy, pull-apart pork is now ready to pile high on buns, or serve anyway you like!

Here are some tasty ways to use pulled pork made from shoulder steaks:

• Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw
• Tacos or burritos with salsa
• Nachos or baked potatoes topped with pulled pork
• Quesadillas or enchiladas stuffed with pulled pork
• Pizza with pulled pork and BBQ sauce
• Pulled pork omelets or breakfast tacos
• Pulled pork salad with cabbage, beans, and vinaigrette
• Pulled pork pasta dishes or casseroles
• Pulled pork rice or grain bowls

The possibilities are endless for versatile, flavorful pulled pork made from pork shoulder steaks!

Flavorful Rub and Sauce Recipes

One secret to mouthwatering pulled pork is seasoning the meat properly before cooking. Here are some easy seasoning rub and sauce ideas:

Simple Spice Rub

1 Tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1⁄2 tsp black pepper

1⁄2 tsp onion powder

1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper

Mix together and generously coat steaks before cooking.

Tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Sauce

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1⁄4 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp pepper

1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes

Whisk together over low heat until thickened.

Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup

1⁄4 cup molasses

2 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp mustard powder

1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Simmer on the stovetop until thickened.

Brush sauce over steaks during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking for added flavor. Toss shredded pork with sauce before serving.

In Summary

Pork shoulder steaks can absolutely be used to make amazing pulled pork despite being smaller cuts. Cook low and slow in a slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot until fall-apart tender. Slice across the grain to shred easily. Moisten with flavorful sauce and pile high onto buns or tacos for delicious pulled pork no matter what cut of pork you start with!