Pork is one of the most popular and delicious meats out there. There is a wide range of pork cuts with significant flavors and different textures.
One common meat cut is pork shoulder which has a delicious taste, but the bone often disturbs the consumers. However, there are several delicious boneless substitutes of pork shoulder cut for people to enjoy.
Boneless Pork Shoulder Substitute
Nowadays, you can find two to three-ingredient recipes online easily. These recipes are made of ingredients that are available in every kitchen. But if you look up special recipes, there’s a high chance that you won’t have some of the necessary ingredients at home.
Sometimes, you can’t even find certain ingredients in your local stores. You must find substitutes for those ingredients instead of giving up on a recipe in such a situation.
A substitute is also an excellent option for people who can’t eat a certain ingredient because of allergies or personal preferences.
Since there are several substitutes available for every ingredient out there, you can easily find an option that suits your palate. You also won’t have to worry about the dish’s taste getting affected, as most substitutes work perfectly well with the recipe.
Pork Shoulder: What Is It?
Pork shoulder is commonly known as picnic roast and picnic shoulder. It tends to have less marbling as well as intramuscular fat. Pork shoulder is generally available with the skin-on.
If you don’t know how to identify pork shoulder, it has a triangular and tapered shape. If you get the boneless pork shoulder, it will have netting, and when the netting is removed, the pork will unfold to reveal meat layers, but the texture will be uneven.
Now that you are clear about the pork shoulder let’s have a look at the boneless substitutes!
1. Pork Butt
Pork butt also goes by the name of Boston butt. The pork butt has intramuscular fat, which is properly marbled around. For the most part, pork butt is sold with the fat cap. As far as appearance is concerned, pork butt has a uniform texture and rectangular shape.
The best thing about pork butt is that it’s available in the boneless and bone-in form. As stated previously, pork butt has thick fat marbling, making it suitable for braising and stewing. In addition, it cooks up into meat that falls apart properly and can be used to make pulled pork for tacos and BBQ.
Many people prefer pork butt over pork shoulder because of its delicious taste. However, it all depends on a person’s personal preference. If you want your meat to be tender once cooked, then pork butt is the perfect option for you.
Since tacos and BBQ require meat that can be thoroughly cooked quickly, pork butt would be the best substitute for pork shoulder for these dishes.
2. Pork Roast
Another substitute for pork shoulder is the center-cut pork roast in the boneless form. It is one of the most popular cuts available in the butcher shops. This boneless pork roast is made by removing the bone, and the fat is generally cut away as well.
As a result, the boneless pork roast looks like lean muscle meat that can be easily carved. The pork roast is available at almost every grocery store and is pretty inexpensive to purchase. In the majority of cases, this cut is used for making pork steaks. In addition, you will be able to cut out steaks and roasts in one piece.
So, if you are thinking of making steaks, the boneless pork roast cut is one of the best substitutes for pork shoulder. If you prepare dishes for guests, roasts made of pork roast cut will fit right on the menu.
However, if you are not sold on the roast cut, you can always try the taste before deciding. You can prepare one dish from the cut to find out whether you like the taste of the meat or not.
3. Ribeye Steak
Ribeye steak is extremely popular among foodies. Since it is a boneless cut, it is a good choice when you want to replace pork shoulder. It is basically the rib chop with the bone removed. It is cut out from the rib end of the pork loin.
Ribeye steak has a sweet flavor, making it a favorite among pork lovers. Ribeye steak is a fine combination of flavor, sufficient fat content, and tender texture. It can be baked, grilled, and broiled.
If you are looking for a pork shoulder substitute for one recipe, you can choose any cut mentioned in this list. But if you want a cut that can work with any recipe, the ribeye steak cut is ideal. You can cook it however you want.
Since it has a tender texture, it can be incorporated into any dish of your choice and wouldn’t affect the original taste of the recipe one bit. Due to its popularity, it is ideal for serving guests at dinner.
4. Loin Steaks
If you are looking for a substitute for pork shoulder, you need to opt for center-cut loin steaks. This is pretty easy to find since it’s popular and can be bought from any meat shop or grocery store.
In addition to pork shoulder, it’s also great for replacing beef strip steak. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that loin steaks are the perfect cuts of meat and have a thin fat covering on the exterior edge.
The meat cut can be cut into your desired thickness; the texture will remain tender and lean. As for cooking, it can be grilled, fried, broiled, and baked. However, cooking loin steaks need precision because it’s a lean cut and tends to harden up when it’s not cooked properly.
Like ribeye steak, a loin cut can also be used in multiple recipes for substituting pork shoulder. But if you have never cooked a loin steak cut before, you might end up overcooking it.
It is best to ask a friend or family member for guidance when cooking a loin steak cut for the first time. You can also turn to the internet for advice.
If you are scared that you might overcook the loin steak, it is best to cut a small piece and try to cook it first. Once you have had some practice, you will be able to cook loin steak perfectly.
5. Pork Escalopes
This is another great substitute for pork shoulder. It is a lean slice of pork meat. It is generally available in a pounded form, which will be quite tender and thinner.
Different meat cuts of pork escalopes are available in the market, but leg steak, pork tenderloin, and trimmed loin steaks are the most popular options available.
The best thing about pork escalopes is that it has a faster cooking time and can be marinated with seasoned breadcrumbs to improve the flavor. It can be served with creamy mushroom sauce.
If you prefer your meat to be tender and thinner, there’s no better option than pork escalopes. You can add this thin meat to multiple dishes or try it on its own.
The taste of pork escalopes will enhance the flavor of any dish it is added into. Even if you cook it on its own, you won’t be able to get enough of this delicious and tender pork meat.
The Bottom Line
Pork is available in every grocery store, so you don’t have to worry too much about finding meat for a recipe. However, certain pork cuts are not readily available everywhere. In that case, you can go for a substitute instead.
If you need pork shoulder substitutes, the options mentioned above are the best. Each of these cuts has its own unique flavors. So, regardless of the option, you can be assured that you won’t be disappointed.