Have you ever put “pork roast” on your shopping list but then been confused by all the different cuts when you got to the butcher? We’ll help you figure out which cut is best for your next tasty pork feast.
Lots of people love pork belly, and for good reason! Cuts from the belly, like pork belly and spare ribs, are very tasty.
Pork neck Pork neck (or collar butt or pork scotch) is from the shoulder of the pig. Some cuts, like scotch steak, are so tender that they melt in your mouth. This is because they have a lot of fat.
The pork loin is a lean, tender cut of meat from the back of the animal. It has a mild flavor. Because loin cuts don’t have much fat, it’s important to keep an eye on them while they’re cooking so the meat doesn’t get too done.
One popular cut is the rack. If you want a quick and easy meal, a rack roast without the skin doesn’t take long to cook and is simple to cut. However, if you are a fan of pork crackle, a rind on loin roast is sure to please.
Shoulder: For a family roast dinner, pork shoulder is always a top choice. With the rind still on, it grills up perfectly. Whether you are roasting or slow cooking, a boned rolled shoulder is a popular choice. The meat will be tender and the crackling will be crispy if you follow the directions. A boned rolled shoulder is easier to carve and takes less time to cook than a shoulder with the bone in.
Leg A boned and rolled leg of pork is a favourite for roasting. A leg without a bone is great for a roast during the week because it is easy to cut without the bone.
For something a bit different, a pickled pork netted leg roast will be tender and flavoursome. Pickled pork is cured with salt and sugar, like corned beef. It tastes saltier and sweeter than fresh pork. Boil it or cook in the slowcooker with lots of water.
Talk to your butcher about the different cuts of pork that are available and how to cook them perfectly if you aren’t sure which one is best for your meal.
Pork collar and pork neck are two distinct cuts of meat that come from the shoulder area of the pig. While they overlap a bit in their origins, there are some notable differences between pork collar versus pork neck.
Understanding how they differ can help you pick the right cut for your recipe Let’s compare pork collar and pork neck
Where Pork Collar and Neck Come From
Both pork collar and pork neck are cut from the front shoulder of the pig. However, they come from slightly different areas:
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Pork collar – Comes from the upper shoulder close to the jowl/neck. It’s cut from the Boston butt
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Pork neck – Comes from the lower shoulder below the Boston butt, along the cervical vertebrae.
So pork collar originates above the pork neck portion of the shoulder region There is some overlap between the two cuts
Key Differences Between Pork Neck and Collar
Though pork neck and collar are proximate cuts, there are some notable ways they differ:
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Shape – Pork collar is roughly triangular while pork neck is elongated.
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Bone – Pork collar is boneless but pork neck contains vertebrae bones.
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Texture – Pork collar has more marbling and fat while pork neck is leaner with connective tissue.
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Flavor – Pork collar is more succulent and tender due to its fat content. Pork neck is slightly tougher but flavorful.
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Cooking method – Pork collar suits roasting or grilling. Pork neck does best with slow braising.
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Cost – Pork neck tends to be the more budget-friendly cut.
So while they originate near each other, pork collar and pork neck have distinct traits.
Popular Names for Each Cut
To add to the confusion, pork collar and pork neck go by other names as well:
Pork Neck Names
- Pork nape
- Pork scotch (UK)
- Pork scrag (New Zealand)
Pork Collar Names
- Boston butt
- Boston shoulder
- Pork blade shoulder
- Pork cushion (UK)
Knowing the alternate names can help discern these cuts when shopping.
Best Cooking Methods
The optimum cooking methods differ for pork collar versus pork neck:
For Pork Collar
- Grilling
- Pan searing
- Broiling
- Roasting
For Pork Neck
- Braising
- Stewing
- Slow roasting
- Smoking/barbecuing
Pork collar’s tender texture makes it perfect for quick, dry heat cooking. Pork neck benefits from moist cooking methods that break down connective tissues.
Sample Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas to highlight each cut:
Pork Collar Recipes
- Herb-crusted grilled pork collar chops
- Pan-seared pork collar with peach salsa
- Pork collar tacos with lime crema
Pork Neck Recipes
- Braised pork neck ragu over polenta
- Pork neck birria tacos
- Chipotle pork neck carnitas
- Vietnamese caramel pork neck
Is One Cut Better Than the Other?
Pork collar and pork neck both have their advantages. Pork collar is prized for its rich marbling and flavor. Pork neck is appreciated for its lower cost and ability to shine when braised or stewed.
The better cut depends on your recipe needs and preferences. For quick cooking, choose pork collar. For budget-friendly long cooking, go with pork neck.
While pork collar and pork neck come from the same general area of the pig, they have distinct differences in texture, flavor, optimum cooking methods and cost. Being aware of these differences helps select the best cut for your dish.
Both offer great porky flavor and value. Understanding how pork collar and pork neck differ allows you to utilize each one to its fullest potential in your cooking.
The Difference Between Pork Shoulder & Pork Collar | Butcher Shop Bootcamp
FAQ
What is another name for a pork collar?
What is pork neck called in the US?
What is a pork neck equivalent to?
Is pork collar good for pulled pork?
What is pork collar?
Pork collar, also known as pork neck or coppa, is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that comes from the top of the shoulder of the pig. It is well-marbled and has a rich, succulent taste that makes it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
Is a pork collar a part of the neck?
Answer: Technically no, as pork collar is cut from the top of the neck behind the jowl (neck) and head and above the butt (shoulder). The muscle it’s cut from starts just below the neck and runs down the spine. So it’s more a part of the shoulder than it is of the neck.
What is pork neck meat?
Pork neck meat is a versatile cut of meat that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Pork neck meat, also known as pork collar, is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that is often overlooked. This cut comes from the neck of the pig and is characterized by its rich, marbled texture and intense flavor.
Is pork neck meat better than pork shoulder?
Pork neck meat is a leaner cut of meat than pork shoulder. It is also more tender and has a more intense flavor. Pork shoulder is a more fatty cut of meat, but it is also less expensive. How long does pork neck meat take to cook? The cooking time for pork neck meat will vary depending on the cooking method.