Oven Roasted Pork Butt is a simple yet delicious dish that makes your home smell amazing! This tender pork is slow-cooked to perfection, making it juicy and packed with flavor.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a big piece of tender meat? I enjoy serving it with some mashed potatoes or on a bun. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Butt: Look for bone-in for extra flavor, though boneless works too. If you can’t find pork butt, consider using a pork shoulder or even a smaller cut like a tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the rub stick. You can use another oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer. Both have a high smoking point, making them great for roasting.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives the dish a nice smoky flavor, but you can replace it with regular paprika or chili powder if you don’t have it on hand. For the herbs, feel free to swap dried thyme with oregano or Italian seasoning if that’s what you have.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for a bit of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, just skip it or use a pinch instead. Conversely, feel free to add more if you like it hot!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure a Beautifully Roasted Pork Butt?
The secret to a well-roasted pork butt is cooking it low and slow. This allows the meat to break down and become tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Pat the pork butt dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy crust during roasting.
- The dry rub not only adds flavor but also helps create that tasty bark. Don’t be shy—apply it generously.
- Maintaining a low oven temperature (300°F) is key. It might take a bit longer, but the results are worth the wait! Aim for an internal temperature of 190-205°F for the perfect texture.
- Letting the pork rest after roasting traps the juices in, making each bite juicy and flavorful. It’s a crucial step!
Oven Roasted Pork Butt: A Culinary Masterpiece
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork butt (also known as pork shoulder), bone-in or boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for roasting pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 3.5 to 4 hours for roasting in the oven, as well as an additional 30 minutes for resting. In total, you’re looking at around 4 to 4.5 hours, so plan accordingly for a delicious and mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Butt:
Start by patting the pork butt dry with paper towels. This step helps create a lovely crispy crust when it’s cooking. You want to ensure it’s as dry as possible before seasoning!
2. Making the Dry Rub:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or rosemary), and cayenne pepper if you’re looking for a bit of heat. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Seasoning the Meat:
Drizzle the olive oil over the pork butt, ensuring to cover all sides. Then, take the dry rub you made and generously coat the pork butt, pressing the seasonings into the meat. This ensures all those delicious flavors get absorbed!
4. Preheating the Oven:
Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). A low and slow roasting temperature is key to tender meat!
5. Roasting Setup:
Place the seasoned pork butt fat side up on a rack inside a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan. This will create steam during roasting and help keep the meat nice and juicy.
6. Roast Low and Slow:
Put the pork butt in the oven and roast for about 3.5 to 4 hours. Keep an eye on it; you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 190-205°F (88-96°C). This temperature range is where you’ll find the pork is perfectly tender and easy to pull apart.
7. Resting the Meat:
Once cooked, take the pork out of the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and delicious!
8. Serving:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Slice or shred the pork butt and serve it with your favorite sides. It goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or piled high on buns with barbecue sauce for a fantastic sandwich.
Dig into your oven roasted pork butt and savor the deep, smoky crust and juicy, tender interior—a true culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
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Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pork butt, feel free to use pork shoulder, which is quite similar. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly based on the size and thickness of the cut.
How Can I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the pork in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be cautious as this can dry it out.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply season the pork butt as instructed and place it in the slow cooker with the broth. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for about 4-6 hours until it reaches the desired tenderness.
What Should I Serve with Oven Roasted Pork Butt?
This delicious pork pairs well with many sides! Try serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even on a bun with barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering sandwich experience.
