{"id":8990,"date":"2022-12-05T12:38:15","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T12:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=8990"},"modified":"2023-09-12T16:50:54","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T16:50:54","slug":"can-you-cut-a-pork-shoulder-in-half","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/can-you-cut-a-pork-shoulder-in-half\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Cut a Pork Shoulder in Half? The How and The Why"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yes, you can cut a pork shoulder in half lengthwise or widthwise. You can also opt to butterfly the shoulder by making a series of horizontal cuts along the meaty side of the shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having worked as a prep cook in four barbecue restaurants, I have successfully prepared both cut and uncut pork shoulder<\/a> for very keen bistro chefs. That said, I did find that it is easier and faster to handle pork shoulder when it is cut in half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I will tell you how to cut pork shoulder in half and how to debone it. We shall also look at why you should cut it in half and answer some of your most pressing questions about pork shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What is the Best Way to Cut a Pork Shoulder in Half?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are working with a frozen pork shoulder let it sit at room temperature for around 30 – 45 minutes before you start cutting. It will be easier to cut through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, sharpen your boning knife. If you do not have one, I recommend this Victorinox Curved Boning Knife<\/a>. Place the shoulder on a cutting board at an angle such that you will be directing the blade away from yourself as you cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start By Trimming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trimming excess fat allows the meat to cook more evenly and have a meatier bark instead of a very fatty one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a gentle sawing motion, work your blade from the top of the cut and move along the entire length and width such that you end up with a separate blanket-like cut of fat. Preserve this for a different recipe that requires more pork fat like pork fat crisps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Settle on a Direction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can cut pork shoulder in one of three ways. You can cut it in half along its length, along its width, or you could opt to butterfly the shoulder. The choice purely depends on what you want to get from the pork shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cut along the width which is against the grain of the meat to get two large chunks if you want to maximize on the tenderness that is needed when making pulled pork or pork stew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cut it in half lengthwise or along the grain of the meat to reduce the cooking time and you will end up with sturdy strips great for a recipe like pork strips or as a taco filling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the goal is to get a larger surface area for a more delicious outside bark after grilling, then cut horizontal strips along the shoulder and open it up like a butterfly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n