Pork Cuts Pork shoulder

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Date Published:

18/12/2008

Great for economical roasts, casseroles, stews, curries and minced pork recipes, meat from the shoulder of the pig is tasty and versatile.

How to buy

The upper part of the shoulder that lies along the backbone is meaty – and can be bought cut into shoulder chops, which need longer, slower cooking than leaner loin chops. The large shoulder joint is often cut into two pieces – the blade (containing the blade bone) and the spare rib joint (containing back bone and ribs) – which shouldn’t be confused with the rack of spare ribs from the front belly. For ease of carving, it’s a good idea to choose a boned and rolled joint – your butcher will do this for you. Price will be around £4 - £4.80 per kg, though expect to pay more for organic, outdoor reared or speciality breeds. When shoulder of pork is cured, you’ll recognise the name as collar bacon.

Shoulder to lean on

Shoulder joints are streaked with fat, which helps baste the meat as it cooks – so slower roasting is the best cooking method for these slightly tougher cuts. Shoulder chops lend themselves to slow braising that tenderises the meat too – though they’ll still be done in less than an hour. For casseroles, curries and stews, choose cubed shoulder pork – its slightly fat-marbled nature means it’s ideally suited. And shoulder pork mince is perfect for patties, burgers and terrines – and a great choice if you fancy making your own sausages.

Recipe for success

Try cooking shoulder chops or steaks in a slow oven with stock, sliced onions and apples, with rosemary or thyme sprigs. They also lend themselves to a delicious pineapple curry combo – just brown the chops or steaks in a flameproof casserole, add canned pineapple chunks in natural juice, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 2 tbsp curry paste and 2 tbsp mango chutney – just add a little stock and braise for 45 minutes! Use chunks of pork shoulder to make your own pork and bean casserole or try a Cajun pork dish with chillies, garlic, celery, peppers, thyme and canned tomatoes. Fantastic!

Top pork shoulder recipes

Coarse pork and herb terrine

Jamie Oliver’s pork and chilli pepper goulash

Paprika pork with chickpeas and spinach

Pork sausages

Pork shoulder bolognese

Shoulder of pork braised in white wine, sage and milk

Tortellini al ragu

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