Best Pork Shoulder Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Pork Shoulder in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Upper portion of the shoulder with similar fat content and collagen. Nearly identical results for braising and pulling.
Ran out of Pork Shoulder mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 2 tested Pork Shoulder substitutes that actually work in cooking and baking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to work with what you have on hand, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Pork Butt (Boston Butt) — it's the closest match for most recipes. Upper portion of the shoulder with similar fat content and collagen. Nearly identical results for braising and pulling.
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Get ratios for Pork Shoulder →All Pork Shoulder Substitutes (2 options)
Upper portion of the shoulder with similar fat content and collagen. Nearly identical results for braising and pulling.
Same cut without bone; slightly less cooking time needed. Yields the same pulled texture and richness.
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Tips for Substituting Pork Shoulder
For most recipes, Pork Butt (Boston Butt) is the best starting point. Upper portion of the shoulder with similar fat content and collagen. Nearly identical results for braising and pulling. If you're unsure which Pork Shoulder substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Pork Shoulder Substitutes
The best substitute for Pork Shoulder is Pork Butt (Boston Butt). Use the same amount. Upper portion of the shoulder with similar fat content and collagen. Nearly identical results for braising and pulling.
This guide lists 2 Pork Shoulder alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
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