Shoulder of Pork Cooking Time Calculator

The cooking time for a shoulder of pork is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound (0.45 kg) when roasted at 325°F (163°C). It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) for optimal tenderness. Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the pork shoulder and specific recipes.

Here’s a table summarizing the approximate cooking times for a shoulder of pork at 325°F (163°C):

Pork Shoulder Weight	Approximate Cooking Time
2 pounds (0.9 kg)	3 to 4 hours
4 pounds (1.8 kg)	6 to 8 hours
6 pounds (2.7 kg)	9 to 12 hours
8 pounds (3.6 kg)	12 to 16 hours

Please note that these are general guidelines, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on factors like oven accuracy and the specific recipe. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) for tenderness and safety.

FAQs

1. What is the cooking time for pork shoulder?
   • The approximate cooking time for pork shoulder is 1.5 to 2 hours per pound (0.45 kg) when roasted at 325°F (163°C).
2. How long does 1kg of pork take to cook?
   • A 1kg pork shoulder will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cook at the recommended temperature.
3. How long does it take to cook a 0.9 kg pork shoulder?
   • A 0.9 kg pork shoulder will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cook at the recommended temperature.
4. What temperature do you cook pork shoulder UK?
   • In the UK, pork shoulder is typically roasted at 180°C (356°F) for a tender and juicy result.
5. Which is the best cooking method for a pork shoulder?
   • Slow roasting or braising is often considered the best cooking method for pork shoulder to achieve a tender and flavorful result.
6. Can you cook pork shoulder in 2 hours?
   • Cooking pork shoulder in 2 hours is not recommended for tender and fully cooked results. It’s best to slow roast it for several hours.
7. Do you cover pork with foil when roasting?
   • You can cover pork shoulder with foil during the initial part of the roasting process to prevent it from drying out, but many recipes suggest removing the foil later to achieve a crispy crust.
8. How long does it take to cook 1kg of pork in the oven?
   • Cooking 1kg of pork in the oven typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at the recommended temperature.
9. How long does 2 kg of pork take to cook?
   • Cooking 2 kg of pork will take longer, approximately 3 to 4 hours at the recommended temperature.
10. How long do you cook a pork shoulder for by weight?
    • You can estimate the cooking time by calculating approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound (0.45 kg) of pork shoulder.
11. At what temperature do you cook pork shoulder?
    • Pork shoulder is often cooked at a temperature of 325°F (163°C) for a slow roast.
12. What is the best temperature for pork shoulder?
    • The recommended temperature for pork shoulder is around 325°F (163°C) for slow roasting.
13. What temp does pork shoulder fall apart?
    • Pork shoulder typically falls apart and becomes tender when the internal temperature reaches around 195°F (90°C) to 205°F (96°C).
14. Is pork shoulder cooked at 180?
    • Pork shoulder is often roasted at 180°C (356°F) in the UK, but some recipes may vary.
15. Can pork be pink in the middle UK?
    • In the UK, pork can be slightly pink in the middle as long as it reaches an internal temperature of at least 70°C (160°F) for safety.
16. Does pork shoulder get more tender the longer it cooks?
    • Yes, pork shoulder becomes more tender the longer it cooks at a low temperature, making it easier to shred.
17. Should I foil my pork shoulder?
    • Foiling pork shoulder during part of the cooking process can help retain moisture, but it’s not necessary for the entire cooking time.
18. How do you keep pork shoulder juicy?
    • Keeping pork shoulder juicy involves slow roasting or braising, using a flavorful marinade or rub, and allowing it to rest before slicing.
19. Can you cook a pork shoulder in 3 hours?
    • Cooking a pork shoulder in 3 hours may not allow enough time for it to become fully tender. Slow roasting is recommended.
20. How do I know if my pork shoulder is done?
    • You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read between 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C), and the meat should easily shred with a fork.
21. How long to cook pork shoulder at 200 degrees?
    • Cooking pork shoulder at 200°F (93°C) will require significantly more time, potentially 8-10 hours, to achieve the desired tenderness.
22. Do you put water in roasting pan for pork?
    • Some recipes suggest adding water or broth to the roasting pan to create steam and keep the pork moist during cooking.
23. Will pork shoulder cook faster in foil?
    • Cooking pork shoulder in foil may reduce cooking time slightly, but it’s not a significant difference.
24. How do you keep roast pork from drying out?
    • To keep roast pork from drying out, use a meat thermometer, baste as needed, and consider using a marinade or rub to add flavor and moisture.
25. What temperature do you cook pork in the oven?
    • Pork is often cooked in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for slow roasting, but temperatures may vary depending on the recipe.
26. How to get the best crackling on pork?
    • Achieving the best crackling on pork involves patting the skin dry, scoring it, and roasting at a high temperature (around 220°C/425°F) for the initial part of cooking.
27. How long do you cook a pork roast per kg UK?
    • You can estimate cooking time in the UK at approximately 30 minutes per kg plus an additional 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F).
28. How many people will 2kg pork shoulder feed?
    • A 2kg pork shoulder will typically feed around 4 to 6 people, depending on serving sizes and side dishes.
29. How to get crackling on pork shoulder?
    • To get crackling on pork shoulder, ensure the skin is dry, score it, and roast at a high temperature initially, then reduce the temperature for the rest of the cooking time.
30. Does pouring boiling water on pork make better crackling?
    • Pouring boiling water over the pork skin before roasting can help achieve better crackling by drying the skin and aiding in crisping.
31. How many minutes per pound do you cook a pork shoulder?
    • You can estimate cooking time at approximately 20 to 30 minutes per pound for pork shoulder, depending on the desired level of tenderness.
32. Do you cook a pork shoulder fat up or fat down?
    • Cooking pork shoulder fat side up can help baste the meat as it cooks, contributing to a more flavorful result.
33. How do you speed up cooking pork shoulder?
    • To speed up cooking pork shoulder, you can increase the oven temperature, but it’s important not to sacrifice tenderness and flavor.
34. Can you overcook a pork shoulder?
    • Yes, overcooking can lead to dry and tough pork shoulder. It’s essential to monitor the internal temperature and cooking time.
35. How to tell if pork shoulder is done without a meat thermometer?
    • Without a meat thermometer, you can check if pork shoulder is done by inserting a fork; it should easily shred when fully cooked.
36. What temp is pork shoulder cooked Celsius?
    • Pork shoulder is typically cooked to an internal temperature of 90°C to 96°C (195°F to 205°F) in Celsius.
37. Is pork shoulder done at 170 degrees?
    • Pork shoulder is generally considered done at a higher temperature, around 90°C to 96°C (195°F to 205°F), for optimal tenderness.
38. Does pork shoulder need to rest?
    • Allowing pork shoulder to rest for about 20-30 minutes after cooking helps retain juices and ensures a juicier result.
39. Can pork be a little pink?
    • In the UK, pork can have a slight pinkish hue in the center as long as it reaches a safe internal temperature.
40. Why is my pork shoulder stuck at 160?
    • If your pork shoulder is stuck at 160°F, it may need more time to reach the desired internal temperature of 195°F to 205°F for tenderness.
41. Why is my pork loin GREY after cooking?
    • Pork loin can appear grey after cooking if it’s overcooked or if certain curing agents in the meat react with heat.
42. What do you do if you eat undercooked pork?
    • If you’ve consumed undercooked pork, monitor your health and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of foodborne illness.
43. Can pork be eaten rare?
    • Pork should not be eaten rare; it should be fully cooked to ensure food safety and kill any potential harmful bacteria.
44. Why is my pork shoulder roast tough?
    • Pork shoulder can become tough if it’s not cooked slowly and at a low temperature, allowing the collagen to break down and tenderize the meat.
45. Should I cut up pork shoulder before slow cooking?
    • You can cut pork shoulder into smaller pieces before slow cooking to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking.