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.
Carnitas, the flavorful shredded or chopped Mexican pork dish, is a crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. While traditional carnitas use pork shoulder or butt, the pork cushion, also called the picnic shoulder, is an underutilized cut that can make amazing carnitas.
The pork cushion has a milder flavor and slightly firmer texture than other shoulder cuts While less common, using pork cushion meat for carnitas is absolutely doable with the right preparation When slowly cooked, its marbling and connective tissue break down into fork-tender, juicy meat that suits carnitas perfectly.
This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about substituting pork cushion meat in carnitas, from its benefits to cooking methods to serving ideas. Let’s dive in!
What is Pork Cushion Meat?
Pork cushion meat is cut from the front leg and shoulder region of the pig. More specifically, it comes from the large cushion muscle of the picnic shoulder. This is a well-exercised area so the meat is lean yet flavorful, with a good amount of marbling.
The pork cushion is usually triangular in shape once removed from the bone. It’s sold whole or cut into smaller roasts, steaks, or chunks weighing around 2-3 pounds. Compared to other shoulder cuts, it has a milder pork flavor and slightly firmer texture when cooked.
Benefits of Using Pork Cushion Meat for Carnitas
While less common than pork butt, using pork cushion meat for carnitas has some excellent advantages:
- It’s economical – costs less than other shoulder cuts
- It’s leaner than butt or shoulder, making it a bit healthier
- Has a milder flavor that allows seasonings and sauces to shine
- Gets very tender when braised due to its connective tissues
- Has great texture – can get tender yet still crisp up nicely
- It’s versatile – shredded cushion meat works in any carnitas recipe
So if you find pork cushion meat at a good price, grab it for your next batch of carnitas!
How to Cook Pork Cushion Meat for Carnitas
Low and slow moist cooking is key to making the pork cushion meat tender enough to shred for carnitas. Here are the basic steps:
- Choose the cut – Select a 2-3 lb cushion roast or cut into 1-inch chunks
- Season generously – Use a spice rub with cumin, oregano, garlic, S&P
- Brown the meat – Sear in batches to develop flavor
- Simmer in liquid – Braise in broth, juice, or beer until fall-apart tender
- Shred the meat – Pull or chop into bite-size pieces
- Crisp it up – Fry shredded meat to get crispy edges
Allow at least 2-3 hours for the collagen-rich connective tissue to properly break down. Be sure to keep the meat moist, and add fried pork juices back in while crisping to prevent dryness.
Tips for Perfect Pork Cushion Carnitas
Follow these tips for flawless carnitas using pork cushion meat:
- Generously season the meat to infuse flavor
- Choose flavorful braising liquids like orange juice or Mexican beer
- Allow meat to rest before shredding so juices redistribute
- Fry shredded pork in its juices for crispy bits
- Adjust seasoning after shredding if needed
- Add any resting juices into the crisping pan
- Top with tangy garnishes like onion, cilantro, lime
It may take some trial and error to perfect the technique, but the results are so worth it. With the right cooking, pork cushion meat makes carnitas every bit as amazing as classic pork shoulder.
How to Serve Pork Cushion Carnitas
The shredded, juicy pork cushion carnitas make a fantastic filling for all kinds of Mexican dishes:
Tacos – Top soft corn tortillas with the carnitas, cilantro, onions, salsa
Nachos – Pile carnitas with beans, cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole on tortilla chips
Burrito bowls – Fill a bowl with carnitas, rice, pinto beans, pico de gallo, avocado
Salads – Toss carnitas on a salad with greens, corn, tomato, cotija cheese, and lime juice
Quesadillas – Stuff tortillas with melted cheese and carnitas, toast until crisp
Breakfast tacos – Add scrambled eggs, carnitas, and salsa in a warm flour tortilla
Get creative with how you serve up these tasty carnitas! The pork cushion meat offers versatility for any meal.
Carnitas Recipe Inspiration
Here are some mouthwatering carnitas recipes that are perfect for pork cushion meat:
- Traditional Slow Cooker Carnitas – Classic recipe infused with orange juice and spice
- Chipotle Carnitas – Braised in a smoky, spicy adobo sauce
- Crispy Carnitas Tacos – Topped with quick-pickled red onions and cilantro
- Slow Cooker Green Chili Carnitas – Tomatillos, green chili peppers, and cumin give a flavor punch
- Carnitas Breakfast Burritos – Stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado
The possibilities are endless when you have tender, juicy pork cushion carnitas ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use pork loin or tenderloin for carnitas?
No, these cuts are too lean. Pork cushion has the right amount of fat and connective tissue.
How long should you cook carnitas in a slow cooker?
Cook on low for 7-8 hours for a 3-4 lb pork cushion roast. High for 4-5 hours also works but may dry out the meat.
What liquids work best for braising pork cushion?
Orange juice, lime juice, broths, tomato sauce, beer, Dr. Pepper, and Mexican sodas all add great flavor.
Can carnitas be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! The pressure cooking makes the pork tender in a fraction of the time.
Conclusion
While pork butt may be the most common, pork cushion can make incredibly delicious carnitas with the proper slow cooking method. Its mild flavor and texture takes well to Mexican spices and tangy toppings. With this complete guide, you can turn economical pork cushion meat into finger-licking carnitas that will have everyone asking for seconds. ¡Buen provecho!
#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.
#3 Can I use pork cushion meat for pulled pork?
The answer is very simple, yes you can. You can create a pulled pork dish, or even use it in stews or soups. The choice is yours. You might even want to cut the pork into thin slices to fry quickly or add to ramen. The best thing about boneless pork cushion meat is that you can use it in almost any way you can think of.