How Long to Cook a 20 lb Pork Shoulder for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection

Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is one of the most flavorful cuts of pork – when cooked properly. With the right technique, this well-marbled cut transforms into succulent, pull-apart meat that melts in your mouth. But cooking a large 20 lb pork shoulder can be daunting if you don’t know how long it takes.

I often get asked – how long should I cook a 20 lb pork shoulder? This huge cut of meat requires slow cooking and the right timing to reach tender perfection. Follow my tips below to learn exactly how long to cook a 20 lb pork shoulder, whether smoking, roasting, or slow cooking.

Determining Cook Time for a 20 lb Pork Shoulder

The general rule of thumb for cooking pork shoulder is to allow 1.5 hours per pound at 225°F. For a 20 lb pork shoulder this equals 30 hours of cooking time.

However there are a few factors that can affect overall cook time

• Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in pork shoulder can take slightly longer to cook. Allow up to 1.75 hours per pound for bone-in.

• Cooking temperature – Cooking at a lower temperature of 200°F will increase cook time. Likewise, increasing the heat will decrease it slightly.

• Size and shape – Smaller, uniform shoulders will cook faster than large, irregular ones.

• Type of cooker – Standard ovens tend to cook faster than smokers or pellet grills.

Given these variables, it’s best to use the 1.5 hour per pound calculation as a starting point. Monitor the internal temperature and use your judgement to determine when it’s done.

Best Cooking Methods for a 20 lb Pork Shoulder

A 20 lb pork shoulder is a big cut of meat that does best with slow, even cooking. This allows the collagen to break down into gelatin, creating succulent pulled pork. Here are some of the best cooking methods:

Smoking

Smoking is a classic technique for pork shoulder that imparts delicious smoky flavor. Use a charcoal or pellet smoker and keep the temperature between 225-250°F. Apple, cherry, hickory, and pecan wood add great flavor. Spray occasionally with apple juice or cider vinegar to prevent drying out.

Roasting

Roasting in the oven is an easy, no-fuss way to cook pork shoulder. Use a roasting pan and cook at 225-250°F until fork tender. For crispy bark, uncover for the last hour. Basting with broth or apple juice helps retain moisture.

Slow Cooker/Crockpot

A slow cooker is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it pork shoulder. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours. Add 1 cup of liquid like broth, beer, or juice. Finishing under the broiler creates bark.

Sous Vide

Cooking sous vide ensures tender, juicy pork shoulder every time. Seal the pork in a bag and cook at 165°F for 24-36 hours. Finish by searing the exterior to crisp it up.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking a 20 lb Pork Shoulder

Follow these simple steps for foolproof pork shoulder:

• Prep – Trim off any excess fat and rub all over with spices or dry rub. Make sure pork reaches room temperature before cooking.

• Insert thermometer – Place a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of shoulder, ensuring it doesn’t touch bone.

• Bring to room temp – Let pork shoulder sit out for 30 minutes to reduce cooking time.

• Slow cook – Place pork in a 225-250°F smoker, oven or slow cooker. Cook for estimated time, monitoring temperature.

• Spritz and wrap – After 4-6 hours, spritz with apple juice or cider vinegar. Wrap in foil if browning too fast.

• Check temp – Check internal temp regularly once it reaches 160°F. Cook until it reaches 200-205°F.

• Rest – Remove pork from heat and let rest 30-60 mins before pulling or slicing.

• Serve and enjoy! – Dig into insanely juicy and delicious pulled pork shoulder!

Pork Shoulder Done Temperature

The most foolproof way to know when your pork shoulder is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat:

• 140-150°F – At this point, collagen begins breaking down and it starts getting tender.

• 160°F – This is a food safety temperature. The pork should not be consumed below this temp.

• 190-200°F – The pork is fully cooked and safe to eat but still quite firm.

• 203-205°F – The collagen has completely melted, creating succulent meat that shreds easily. This is the ideal temp for tender pork shoulder.

Always let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes before pulling or slicing, as the temperature will continue rising 5-10 degrees.

Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pulled Pork

Low and slow cooked pork shoulder makes for incredible pulled pork. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

• Pile high on soft burger buns with your favorite BBQ sauce

• Mix with a tangy vinegar-based sauce for classic Carolina style

• Serve on tacos or nachos with salsa, avocado and lime

• Toss with bbq sauce and place on top of cheesy grits or baked potatoes

• Layer on sandwiches with sweet and tangy slaw

• Add to chili, soups or stews for flavor and heartiness

• Fold into omelets, frittatas or hash for pulled pork breakfast

• Stuff into peppers, tomatoes or zucchini boats for a fun appetizer

• Mix into mac and cheese or baked beans for the ultimate comfort food

With the proper technique and timing, you can conquer cooking a 20 lb pork shoulder. Low and slow cooking rewards you with juicy, fork-tender meat that makes irresistible pulled pork. Now fire up that smoker, preheat the oven, or plug in the slow cooker to enjoy incredible pork shoulder right in your own home.