Pulled pork is a quintessential BBQ dish that calls for slow-smoked, tender, fall-apart pork shoulder. But cooking a full pork shoulder can take up to 18 hours! If you’re short on time or need to feed a smaller crowd, cutting the pork shoulder in half speeds up cooking and gives you the delicious pulled pork you crave.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything about cutting pork shoulder in half for pulled pork, including:
- Benefits of halving pork shoulder
- Step-by-step preparation
- Cooking times and temperatures
- How to get maximum smoke flavor
- Pulling and serving tips
After reading, you’ll be ready to cook pork shoulder halves that give you all the juicy, smokey goodness of traditional pulled pork in half the time! Let’s get started.
Why Cut Pork Shoulder in Half?
Cooking a full pork shoulder low and slow can take 1-2 hours per pound, meaning an 8-10 lb shoulder needs 12-18+ hours of smoking time. That’s a serious time commitment!
Halving the pork shoulder offers several advantages
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Shortens cooking time – Thinner cuts of meat cook faster. Halving can reduce cook time by 4-6 hours.
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Speeds smoke absorption – More surface area exposed to smoke equals more flavor.
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Feeds smaller groups – One full pork shoulder feeds 12+ people. Halves are perfect for 4-6.
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Fits in smaller spaces – Halved shoulders work in smaller smokers or oven
For the best pulled pork in half the time, cutting pork shoulder in two is the way to go!
Step 1 – Start With a Boneless Pork Shoulder
To cut the pork shoulder in half easily, you need to start with a boneless shoulder. This is sometimes labeled “Boston butt.” If yours has the bone in, ask your butcher to remove it.
Optional: Remove the thick outer fat cap for better smoke absorption. Leave on some fat for moisture.
Step 2 – Split Lengthwise Down the Center
Using a sharp knife or meat cleaver, cut the pork shoulder in half lengthwise, dividing it into two even pieces.
Try to keep the natural shape rather than cutting straight across. This exposes more interior meat to smoke and bark creation.
Step 3 – Season and Apply Rub
Season the newly exposed inner meat generously with salt, pepper and your favorite pork rub.
Getting seasoning into all the nooks and crannies is key for maximizing flavor when smoking.
Step 4 – Smoke at 225-250°F
Set up your smoker or oven for smoking at 225-250°F. Use your favorite hardwood like hickory, oak or apple for authentic smoke flavor.
Place pork halves on the grate with plenty of space between for smoke circulation.
Maintain even, consistent temperature and thin blue smoke throughout the entire cook.
Step 5 – Spritz and Wrap at 160°F Internal
Once the pork halves reach an internal temp of 160°F (after approx 4-6 hours), remove from heat and spritz with a broth/cider mixture.
Double wrap halves tightly in foil and return to the smoker until 205°F internal, about 1-2 more hours.
Step 6 – Rest and Pull the Pork
When halves reach 205°F, remove from smoker and let rest wrapped for 30-60 minutes.
Unwrap, pull meat apart using two forks and discard excess fat and membranes.
Toss pork with your favorite BBQ sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your smoked, pulled pork shoulder halves piled high on buns, mixed into tacos, baked potatoes or mac and cheese. Leftovers keep for 5 days refrigerated.
With this foolproof process, you’ll have tender, juicy pulled pork with a smoky crust and rich flavor in just 6-8 hours total cook time. Cutting pork shoulder in half makes smoked pulled pork an easy weekday meal!
Now that you’re a master at pork shoulder halves, try experimenting with different wood smoke flavors. Apple, hickory and mesquite each impart unique flavors to highlight the pork.
So fire up your smoker, invite some friends over and enjoy phenomenal pulled pork sandwiches with your DIY smoked pork shoulder halves. They’ll be amazed you created this BBQ feast on a weeknight!
How To Cut A Bone In Pork Shoulder In Half
If you love pork and want to make the best roast or pulled pork, you might need to cut a bone-in pork shoulder in half. This can be a challenging task, but with the right technique, you can achieve the desired result. This article will show you how to cut a bone-in pork shoulder in half so that you can make tasty pork dishes.
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Kitchen twine (optional)
Follow these simple steps to cut a bone-in pork shoulder in half:
- Set up your workspace: To begin, make sure your workspace is clean and well-organized. Keeping everything tidy will make the process easier and safer.
- Put the pork shoulder on a cutting board with the bone side facing up. This will hold it in place. If you want to keep it in place, you can tie the shoulder with kitchen twine.
- Find the bone: Look for the bone that goes through the middle of the pork shoulder. To cut the shoulder in half, this bone will be used as a guide.
- Create a cut: Carefully cut along the bone with a sharp chef’s knife, beginning at the top and working your way down. To make sure the cut is clean and even, use firm but controlled pressure.
- Continue cutting: Once you’ve made the first cut, keep cutting through the meat following the bone until you get to the other end. Take your time and make precise cuts to maintain symmetry.
- Part the pork shoulder in half. Once you’re done cutting it in half, you will have two separate halves. You can either leave them as they are or cut and shape them more to fit your recipe.
- Cut away extra fat: If you want, you can cut away any extra fat from both sides of the pork shoulder. This step will help make your final dish taste and feel better.
By following these steps, you can successfully cut a bone-in pork shoulder in half. Remember to take your time and exercise caution while handling sharp knives. Once you know how to do this, you’ll be able to control the amounts and cooking times better, which will let you make tasty pork dishes that your family and friends will love.
Don’t be afraid to take on a bone-in pork shoulder, cut it in half, and let your cooking skills shine. Happy cooking!.
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FAQ
Does cutting meat in half reduce cooking time?
Do you cut pork shoulder with or against the grain?
How much fat do you trim off pork shoulder for pulled pork?
How do you cut pork shoulder?
Remember, using a sharp, high-quality boning knife will make the job that much easier. It’s entirely up to you in which way you want to cut down your pork shoulder. For example, to maximize tenderness, cut it in half so it forms two large, square chunks. Or you can cut it lengthwise so you have long, thin, slabs.
What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
Whether you are making sandwiches or anything else, the best cut of meat for pulled pork is a pork shoulder. Boneless pork shoulders or bone-in will work for this recipe. Pork shoulder roasts are ideal for pulling (or shredding) because of its fat content.
Can you cut a pork butt in half?
If you’ve got yourself a hefty cut of pork butt or pork shoulder there might be more than a few reasons you want to cut it in half before cooking it. The good news, you CAN cut a pork butt or other cut of pork shoulder in half, without sacrificing juiciness or tenderness.
Can you cut a bone-in pork shoulder in half?
You can cut a bone-in pork shoulder in half, but it’s not so simple as you’ve got a big thick bone running through the pork! It won’t be an easy task for a home cook, but if you do want a smaller bone-in pork shoulder you can ask your butcher and they should be able to prepare it for you no dramas.