Pork cushion meat, pulled pork is a boneless piece cut from the large muscle of the Picnic Shoulder. As such it’s a well-exercised very lean cut with a good flavor that’s best wet cooked.
The pork cushion is usually triangular once it’s been taken off the bone, but the size and shape depend on how the butcher packs their meat counter.
Even though pork is one of the most popular meats in the world, most people still don’t know what pork cushion is.
We’ll talk about what the pork cushion is, where it comes from on the pig, and why you might want to use it in some recipes.
Everyone loves carnitas, which is Mexican pulled pork that is soft, juicy, and full of flavor. Traditionally, it’s made with pork shoulder or butt. What if you want to change things up with your carnitas? You might be wondering if you can use pork cushion meat instead.
The short answer is yes, definitely! Pork cushion meat, which is also called picnic shoulder or pork chuck shoulder, can be used to make authentic and very tasty carnitas. This versatile, economical cut brings its own unique qualities to the table.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using pork cushion meat for carnitas and how to make this substitute shine.
What Is Pork Cushion Meat?
Pork cushion meat comes from the front leg and shoulder area of the pig. It’s a large, lean triangular cut taken from the muscle of the picnic shoulder, called the cushion muscle.
Cushion meat from pork is a cut that has been worked out and worked out well, making it lean but tasty. It has a good amount of intramuscular fat and connective tissue. Since it comes from a heavily used muscle group, it can be tough. But if you cook the meat slowly over time, the collagen melts into it, making it very tender.
Boneless pork cushion meat usually weighs around 2-3 pounds It can be sold whole or cut into smaller pieces or steaks, also called pork shoulder cutlets or pork shoulder steaks
Compared to other pork shoulder cuts like the Boston butt, picnic, or arm shoulder the cushion has a milder flavor. Its leanness also gives it a slightly firmer texture when cooked.
Can You Use Pork Cushion Meat for Carnitas?
The simple answer is yes. The pork cushion’s marbling, connective tissue, and rich porky flavor make it well-suited for low and slow cooking methods like braising. This helps break down its toughness.
With the right technique, pork cushion meat can be transformed into succulent, pull-apart carnitas full of flavor. Its mild taste also allows the seasonings and cooking liquids to shine.
To make carnitas, the pork cushion is simmered or roasted until extremely tender. Then it’s fried or broiled to get a crispy exterior. The end result is juicy, fork-tender meat with crispy browned bits.
So if you want to take your carnitas to the next level, grab some pork cushion meat on your next grocery run!
Benefits of Using Pork Cushion Meat for Carnitas
Using pork cushion meat for carnitas has some excellent advantages:
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It’s economical. Pork cushion meat costs less than pork butt or shoulder, keeping your carnitas budget-friendly.
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It’s leaner. With less fat than other cuts, it can be a healthier choice while still keeping juiciness.
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It has a milder flavor. The subtle taste allows spices and sauces to shine.
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It gets very tender. Long cooking breaks down its tough connective tissues into tender, pull-apart meat.
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It has excellent texture. When properly cooked and crisped, it gets an amazing tender-crisp texture.
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It’s versatile. Shredded cushion meat carnitas can be used in tacos, burritos, salads, nachos, and more!
How To Cook Pork Cushion Meat for Carnitas
Cooking pork cushion meat for carnitas takes some time, but the results are well worth it! Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Choose your cut
Select a 2-3 lb boneless pork cushion roast or cut it into 1-inch chunks for faster cooking.
2. Season liberally
Rub the meat all over with a blend of cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. The spices will flavor the meat as it cooks.
3. Brown the meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the seasoned pork pieces over medium-high heat in batches. This adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
4. Simmer in flavorful liquid
Return meat to pot and add 1-2 cups of flavorful liquid like orange juice, lime juice, chicken or pork broth, tomato sauce, or beer. Add aromatics like onions and garlic. Simmer covered on low heat for 2-3 hours until extremely tender.
5. Shred the meat
Once cooked, remove meat from the pot. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-size pieces.
6. Crisp it up
For crispy carnitas, pan-fry the shredded pork in its juices over medium-high heat until browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Dig into your juicy, crispy carnitas! Serve in tacos, salads, bowls, or on nachos.
Tips for Perfect Pork Cushion Meat Carnitas
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pork cushion meat carnitas come out perfect every time:
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Sear the meat first for deeper flavor.
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Cook low and slow. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the collagen to melt.
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Keep it moist. Add flavorful braising liquids like citrus juice, broth, or Mexican beer.
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Let it rest before shredding so juices redistribute evenly.
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Fry shredded meat in its juices to get a crispy texture.
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Add any accumulated juices from resting back into the meat while frying to keep it moist.
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Adjust seasoning with more salt, cumin, or oregano once shredded.
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Top with tangy garnishes like onion, cilantro, lime, guacamole or salsa.
With some trial and error, you’ll get tender, juicy carnitas from the pork cushion every time!
How to Serve Pork Cushion Meat Carnitas
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up these flavorful carnitas. Here are just a few delicious ways to enjoy pork cushion meat carnitas:
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Tacos – Warm corn or flour tortillas, stuff with carnitas, cilantro, diced onions, guacamole, and salsa.
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Nachos – Top corn tortilla chips with shredded carnitas, beans, cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, and Mexican crema.
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Burrito bowls – Fill a bowl with carnitas, cilantro lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, avocado, and cheese.
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Salads – Build a salad on a bed of greens using carnitas, tomatoes, corn, avocado, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
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Quesadillas – Stuff tortillas with carnitas, Oaxaca cheese, and caramelized onions.
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Breakfast tacos – Add carnitas, scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa inside a warm flour tortilla.
FAQs About Making Carnitas with Pork Cushion Meat
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making carnitas with pork cushion meat:
Can you use pork loin or tenderloin for carnitas?
Pork loin and tenderloin are too lean for good carnitas. They lack the fat and connective tissue needed to break down and get tender.
Is pork cushion meat the same as pork butt?
No. Pork butt is higher up on the shoulder. Pork cushion meat is below that from the picnic shoulder. While they are similar, pork butt is fattier.
How long does it take to make carnitas in a slow cooker?
For a 3-4 pound pork cushion roast, cook on low for 7-8 hours. Quicker cooking on high for 4-5 hours is also an option but may result in slightly drier meat.
What liquid is best for braising pork cushion meat?
Orange juice, lime juice, chicken or pork broth, beer, Dr. Pepper, tomato sauce, or a mix all work great.
Can you make carnitas in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook pork cushion meat carn
#2 Where does this cut come from?
You can easily find this cut of pig from around the supermarkets. Spain procedures the best quality of cushion meat, Norfrisa S. A. happens to be a big player in the market. We offer high-quality halal wholesale frozen meat products and by-products.
When to Use Pork Butt
The pork butt is the best cut for stewing and braising because it has more fat marbling throughout the meat and a more uniform shape. It’s also the best cut for making fall-apart-tender pulled pork for a barbecue or tacos. Pork butt is always the better choice when a recipe asks for either pork shoulder or pork butt.