Pork shoulder is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in the oven at 350°F, on the grill, or using another cooking method. This article covers the appropriate cooking time and for pork shoulder, as well as alternate cooking methods and common mistakes to avoid. It also includes information on serving and pairing suggestions, storage, and reheating. Use this article to help you cook pork shoulder to perfection.
More Cooking Time Information:
- How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 350°F
- How Long To Bake Crab Cakes In The Oven and Air Fryer
- How Long To Bake Chicken Tenderloins In The Oven
The Benefits of Cooking Pork Shoulder at 350°F
Overall, 350°F is a reliable and effective temperature for cooking pork shoulder in the oven. It allows for slow, even cooking that results in tender and juicy meat.
Here are a few reasons why 350°F is a good temperature to cook pork shoulder in the oven:
- It’s a moderate temperature: Cooking pork shoulder at 350°F allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, which helps it become tender and juicy. Higher temperatures can cause the meat to dry out or become tough, while lower temperatures may not cook the pork shoulder through properly.
- It’s suitable for a wide range of cooking times: Pork shoulder can take anywhere from 3-8 hours to cook, depending on the size and type of the cut. Cooking at 350°F allows for a wide range of cooking times, so you can choose the best option for your schedule.
- It’s a safe temperature: Pork shoulder should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to be safe to eat. Cooking at 350°F allows the meat to reach this temperature without overheating or undercooking.
How Long To Cook Bonless Pork Shoulder At 350°F
To cook boneless pork shoulder at 350°F, the general rule of thumb is to plan for about 25 minutes of cooking time per pound. Here’s a rough estimate of cooking times for boneless pork shoulder at 350°F based on the weight of the pork shoulder:
- 1-2 pounds: 45-60 minutes
- 2-3 pounds: 1-1.5 hours
- 4-5 pounds: 2-2.5 hours
- 6-7 pounds: 2.5-3.5 hours
- 8-9 pounds: 3.5-4.5 hours
Note: Remember to allow the pork shoulder to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat more tender and flavorful.
How Long To Cook Bon-In Pork Shoulder At 350°F
The main difference is that bone-in pork shoulder will take a little 5-10 minutes longer to cook due to the added insulation provided by the bone. Here is an estimate of cooking times at 350°F for bone-in pork shoulder based on weight:
Note: The internal temperature of the pork should reach at least 145°F for medium-rare, or 160°F for medium.
How Long To Cook Frozen Pork Shoulder At 350°F
It’s important to note that cooking times will be 25% longer for frozen pork shoulder compared to thawed pork shoulder because the frozen meat will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
| Weight of Pork Shoulder | Cooking Time (hours) |
|---|---|
| 1-2 pounds | 1-1.5 |
| 2-3 pounds | 1.5-2 |
| 4-5 pounds | 2-2.5 |
| 6-7 pounds | 2.5-3 |
| 8-9 pounds | 3-3.5 |
How To know When Pork Shoulder Is Done
There are several ways to determine when pork shoulder is done cooking:
Factors That Affect Cooking Time for Pork Shoulder
When it comes to cooking pork shoulder in the oven at 350°F, there are several factors that can affect the cooking time. These include:
- Size and shape of the pork shoulder: The size and shape of the pork shoulder can impact the cooking time, as larger or irregularly shaped pork shoulders may take longer to cook through. It’s important to consider the size of your pork shoulder and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Accuracy of the oven’s temperature: The accuracy of your oven’s temperature can also affect the cooking time of the pork shoulder. If the oven is not properly calibrated, the pork shoulder may cook faster or slower than expected. It’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is set to the correct temperature.
- Desired level of doneness: The desired level of doneness can also impact the cooking time of the pork shoulder. If you prefer your pork to be medium-rare, it will take less time to cook than if you prefer it to be well-done.
Tips for Ensuring Even Cooking of Pork Shoulder
When cooking pork shoulder in the oven at 350°F, it’s important to ensure that the meat is cooked evenly to achieve the best results. Here are some tips for ensuring even cooking of your pork shoulder:
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is a valuable tool for ensuring that your pork shoulder is cooked to the desired level of doneness. By inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, you can ensure that the internal temperature reaches the recommended 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Rotate the pork shoulder: Rotating the pork shoulder during cooking can help ensure even cooking, as it allows the heat to reach all parts of the meat evenly. Try flipping the pork shoulder over halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking.
- Allow the pork shoulder to rest: After cooking, it’s important to allow the pork shoulder to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Pork Shoulder At 350°F
In addition to cooking pork shoulder in the oven at 350°F, there are several other methods that can be used to cook this versatile cut of meat. Some alternate cooking methods for pork shoulder, along with their approximate cooking times at 350°F, include:
Pork shoulder is well-suited to slow cooking methods, such as braising or roasting in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Slow cooking allows the flavors to fully develop and the meat to become tender and flavorful. To slow cook pork shoulder at 350°F, plan for about 25 minutes of cooking time per pound.
2. Grilling:
Pork shoulder can also be grilled over indirect heat, using a low and slow approach. Grilling can add a smoky flavor to the pork shoulder and can be a great option for summer cookouts. To grill pork shoulder at 350°F, plan for about 25 minutes of cooking time per pound.
3. Smoking:
Smoking is another option for cooking pork shoulder, and can produce flavorful and tender results. This method requires a smoker or a grill with a smoker box, and can take several hours to complete. To smoke pork shoulder at 350°F, plan for about 1-2 hours of cooking time per pound.
4. Air frying:
Pork shoulder can also be cooked in an air fryer at 350°F. Air frying allows the pork shoulder to become crispy and tender, and can be a quick and convenient cooking method. To air fry pork shoulder at 350°F, plan for about 25-30 minutes of cooking time per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Pork Shoulder Cooking
To ensure the best results when cooking pork shoulder, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to less than optimal results. Some common mistakes to avoid when cooking pork shoulder include:
- Overcooking: One of the most common mistakes when cooking pork shoulder is overcooking the meat. Overcooking can result in dry, tough pork, which can be unappealing and difficult to eat.
- Undercooking: On the other hand, undercooking pork shoulder can also be a problem. Undercooking pork shoulder can lead to unsafe food and can be a source of foodborne illness.
- Not allowing the pork shoulder to rest: After cooking, it’s important to allow the pork shoulder to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Pork Shoulder
There are many ways to serve and pair pork shoulder, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Some serving and pairing suggestions for pork shoulder include:
- Sides: Pork shoulder pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.
- Herbs and spices: Pork shoulder can be enhanced with the use of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
- Sauces: A flavorful sauce can also complement pork shoulder, such as a barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or apple cider vinegar-based sauce.
- Beverages: Pork shoulder can be paired with a variety of beverages, such as beer, wine, or hard cider.
How Long To Store Baked Pork Shoulder
aked pork shoulder can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store baked pork shoulder, allow the meat to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pork shoulder in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
To reheat baked pork shoulder, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pork shoulder in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake it for 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through to a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
Alternatively, you can reheat baked pork shoulder in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and microwaving it on high power for 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through to a safe internal temperature.
Pork Shoulder Recipes
- Oven Roasted Pork Shoulder Recipe
- Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
- Fall-Apart Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard and Garlic
Here is a simple recipe To Understand How To Pork Shoulder In The Oven at 350°F:
