To make pulled pork, you need to slowly cook pork shoulder or butt until it is soft and easy to shred. But because pork is getting more expensive, home cooks are looking for cheaper options like pork loin or cottage roll. So, is it possible to make juicy, tasty pulled pork from a cheap cured cut like a cottage roll?
As a food blogger and barbecue enthusiast, I decided to test this out After multiple trials, I’m sharing my guidance on how to successfully make amazing pulled pork from a cured cottage roll With the right preparation and cooking technique, this affordable cut can transform into fork-tender shredded pork perfect for sandwiches, tacos, pizza and more.
What is Cottage Roll?
First, let’s look at what exactly cottage roll is. Cottage roll, sometimes labeled “cottage ham”, is a cured, boneless pork shoulder butt. It’s brined in a salty, sweet solution that gives it a ham-like flavor. Cottage roll is conveniently netted, uniform in shape, and budget friendly.
While traditionally served cooked whole, we’ll utilize the long, slow cooking method for pulled pork to break down the meat’s texture. With care, cottage roll can become fall-apart tender and make delicious BBQ shredded pork.
How to Choose the Right Cottage Roll
When buying a cottage roll with pulled pork in mind look for
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A size of 3-5 lbs. The food will not fit in the crockpot if it is too big. Choose a smaller size for faster cooking.
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Uniform shape without odd protruding bits to allow even cooking.
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Ample marbling and fat cap throughout for flavor and moisture.
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The least amount of surface honeycombing, which can cause dryness.
With a properly selected cottage roll, you’re primed for pulled pork success. Now let’s get cooking!
Step-By-Step Method for Cottage Roll Pulled Pork
Follow this simple process for fork-tender pulled pork from an affordable cottage roll:
Prepare the Meat
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Rinse the cottage roll briefly under cool water to remove excess surface salt. Pat extremely dry.
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Remove netting and trim any big excess fat pieces or flaps. Leave some fat cap intact.
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Rub the meat all over with your favorite barbecue dry rub.
Slow Cook the Cottage Roll
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Place prepared roll in a 6-qt or larger slow cooker. Add 1 cup chicken or beef broth, onion and garlic to flavor.
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Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours until very tender when poked with a fork.
Shred and Season the Pork
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Carefully remove pork to a cutting board. Discard cooking liquid.
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When cool enough to handle, shred pork using two forks.
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Toss shredded meat with your favorite barbeque sauce. Season to taste.
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For juicier pulled pork, add reserved defatted cooking liquid a bit at a time until desired moistness is reached.
And that’s it – deliciously tender cottage roll pulled pork ready for sandwiches and more!
Handy Tips for Best Results
Follow these handy tips for optimal flavor and texture:
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Use a salty-sweet dry rub to compliment the cottage roll’s cured flavor.
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Brown the meat first for richer flavor. Use broth versus water in the slow cooker.
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Shred pork when it’s warm and still moist, not completely cooled.
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Mix in defatted, concentrated cooking liquid to add back moisture and flavor.
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Keep an eye on end shreddability. Once it shreds cleanly, remove from heat.
With some trial and error, you’ll master cottage roll pulled pork in no time!
Serving Ideas for Cottage Roll Pulled Pork
The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying tender pulled pork made from an inexpensive cottage roll. Here are some fun serving ideas:
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The classic! Pile cottage roll BBQ onto soft buns with slaw and dill pickles.
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Pulled Pork Tacos – Top warm tortillas with shredded pork, pico de gallo, avocado and lime crema.
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Pulled Pork Pizza – Spread BBQ sauce over the crust and top with cheese and pulled pork.
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Pulled Pork Breakfast Hashes – Saute cottage roll with potatoes, peppers and onions. Top with an egg.
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Pulled Pork Stuffed Potatoes – Load baked potatoes with cottage roll pork, cheese, bacon and green onions.
However you enjoy this budget-friendly pulled pork, just remember – low and slow is the key to success!
Storing and Freezing Leftover Pulled Pork
Like any cooked meat, proper storage is key to safely enjoying leftover pulled pork for days to come:
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Refrigerate pulled pork within 2 hours of cooking. Store in a shallow container to allow for quick cooling.
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Use refrigerated pulled pork within 3-4 days for best quality.
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For longer storage, freeze shredded pork in recipe-sized portions for up to 4 months.
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Thaw frozen pork overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
With proper handling, you can safely savor every last morsel of your tender cottage roll pulled pork masterpiece.
Satisfying BBQ Flavor on a Budget
While it requires special prep and handling, cottage roll can absolutely be transformed into mouthwatering pulled pork with the right cooking method. With this complete guide, you now have the knowledge to turn this budget-friendly cut into the star of your next backyard BBQ, picnic or game day spread.
Pulled Pork Sammies: Cook Once & Eat Twice {Recipe}*Updated post from 2012 I love to BBQ but am not one of those brave souls that will grill in frigid temps. We have had cold and rain for two weekends in a row so I have not fired up the BBQ. I am dusting off my crockpot to get some pulled pork goodness with a smoky, homemade BBQ sauce instead.
- The first three things from Part 1 should be mixed together in your slow cooker.
- Mix the pork with the spices and roll it around in them.
- Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. *Internal meat temperature 165 degrees farenheit .
- Mix the sauce ingredients listed in Part 2.
- Pour over the pork and cook another 1-2 hours. The third step of the recipe is often where we stop. We eat this for dinner one night and then use the leftover pork to make BBQ Pulled Pork Sammies the next day. Just put leftover pork in the crock pot with sauce and let it cook for two to three hours.
Food Safety Reference
Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Pulled Pork
FAQ
Is pork cottage roll the same as pork shoulder?
What kind of bun is best for pulled pork?
Can you barbecue cottage roll?
Can a cottage roll be smoked?
Can you make pulled pork from a cottage roll?
The short answer is yes, you can make pulled pork from a cottage roll. However, it’s important to note that cottage roll is not the same as pork roast and requires a different cooking method. Cottage roll is a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine, giving it a unique flavor.
Can you cook a pork cottage roll in a crockpot?
Cooking a pork cottage roll in the oven is a great way to achieve a tender and flavorful roast. To start, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place your cottage roll in a roasting pan or crockpot. You can add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onion, and cabbage if you like.
What is a pork cottage roll?
A pork cottage roll is a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine. The brine is usually made of salty, slightly sweet water, and the meat is packed in a netting that can be removed before cooking. This cut of meat is inexpensive, but it’s incredibly flavorful and tender.
What can I do with leftover pulled pork?
Cottage Roll Pulled Pork Soup – Use the leftover broth from cooking your cottage roll to make a hearty vegetable soup or lentil stew. Add in some diced carrots, potatoes, and cabbage for a delicious and filling meal. No matter how you choose to serve it, cottage roll pulled pork is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal.