Understanding differences in pork cuts: Loin vs. Shoulder  

Learn the difference between pork loin and pork shoulder and how you can use either for delicious meals. Both pieces of meat have unique characteristics to make them ideal for different dishes. Since you are purchasing a larger cut of meat, it’s a good idea to understand the distinct differences to choose the best cut for your dish! 

At Pleasant Grove Homestead, we raise heritage Herford hogs for sale as whole and half hogs as well as sell individual cuts of meat. Herford hogs produce delicious meat, especially when raised with lots of sunshine, mud, and scraps from our farm! Learn where to find our products with the link below and be sure to join our email list to know when we have bulk pork available! It’s important to know how and where your pork is raised to meet your family’s preferences.

Pork loin vs. Pork shoulder

We have all been there, standing in the meat aisle in the grocery store or butcher shop can be daunting with all the different cuts of pork. A popular choice for pork is pork loin and pork shoulder. These two different cuts of meat are both a versatile cut and easy to cook. Their differences include flavor, texture, and cooking methods. Understanding these differences is essential in helping you make the best culinary choice based on your recipe and desired outcome. 

Pork Loin

Pictured here is a pork loin with the bone-in, ready to be made into chops! Our favorite pork recipe Apple glazed pork chop recipe: Apple Glazed Pork Chops (Easy and Delicious Recipe!)  

Pork Shoulder 

Curious how to cook a pork shoulder? Read our recipe here!

Difference between Pork Loin and Pork Shoulder

–Location of the cut 

Pork loins are long and cylindrical cuts found on the back of the pig. Pork shoulder is found in the front pork leg. The pork shoulder is made up from two sections, picnic shoulder and Boston butt. Boston butts are located near the shoulder blade just above the picnic shoulder. 

–Fat content

One of the main differences between pork loin and pork shoulder is the fat content of each cut. Pork loin is lean with very little marbling causing it to dry out if overcooked. Pork loin may contain a fat cap on the top of meat that will help add some flavor and juiciness. Pork shoulders are relatively fatty with lots of connective tissue that helps make it moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process. Pork shoulders, once cooked results in a very tender cut of meat. 

-Methods of cooking

Because of the different fat content of pork loin and pork shoulder, they are best suited for different cooking methods. Pork loin, being a lean meat cut, is best used in quick cooking methods. It can be cooked at high temperatures in the oven or on the grill. Pork loin is commonly used for pork chops, which are cut from the pork loin. On the other hand, pork shoulders are best cooked with slow-cooking methods over many hours to help tenderize the tough muscle fibers. The extended cooking time allows for the fat to melt and the meat to become tender and flavorful. Pork shoulders are ideal for dishes that required shredding or pulling. Pork shoulders take more effort to cook, but the work is worth the juicy meat, fall-apart tenderness. 

Pork steak vs pork chop 

FAQ’s

Can You Substitute One for the Other?

In terms of deliciousness, both are a great cut of pork to put on the table to feed your family. If the recipe calls for a low and slow cooking method, you can use either cut of pork. However, I would not use a shoulder instead of a loin in a recipe that calls for pan sear or a quick cooking method as it would create a tough spot on the meat. 

Which One Should You Chose? 

The choice between pork loin and pork shoulder ultimately depends on your dish and cooking method. Here is a quick breakdown of when to choose each cut for best results: 

Pork Loin: If you need a leaner, quick cooking cut of meat for meals such as grilled pork loin chop or a skillet meal, pork loin is the best choice.

Pork Shoulder: If you are looking for a rich and flavorful dish that requires a long cooking time at low temperatures that results in tender, shredded meat, pork shoulder is the ideal choice. It is perfect for pulled pork, carnitas, or barbeque dishes. 

Both pork loin and pork shoulder are both versatile cuts of meat, but they both excel in different cooking method and dishes. By understanding their similarities and differences, you can make the best choice for your next pork-based meal.   

Reminder: It is always important to take the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. The USDA (LINK) recommends the internal temperature of pork to be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Looking for more information about the differences between all the cuts of pork available? Check out our ebook(LINK).