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Pork shoulder should never be served undercooked because bacteria within the meat can cause a severe case of food poisoning.
We will discuss how the internal temperature should be no less than 200°F with a rest period of no less than three minutes. We will also try some helpful tips to deliver the perfectly cooked pork shoulder throughout this article.
How to Tell if Pulled Pork is Undercooked
There are several ways to tell if pulled pork is undercooked. The best way is by using a meat thermometer, but we will also show you how to solve that problem if you do not have a thermometer. Below are the typical ways to tell if the cut of meat is undercooked.
- The internal temperature of the pork shoulder should be 200°F or above.
- After the pork shoulder has reached its optimal temperature, a three-minute rest is also required.
- If a thermometer is not available, inserting a knife into the thickest part of the meat and checking that the juices run clear can help determine if it is cooked properly.
- Another way to test for doneness is to cut off a small piece and observe how it cooks. If it remains pink in the center, the pork shoulder is not done yet.
- The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F, but many people find this will still leave you with a dry and undercooked by product. You need to be smoking it until 200°F.
- The best way to ensure that the pork shoulder is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. This kitchen gadget is relatively affordable and can be found at most stores that sell kitchen supplies.
- When inserted into the thickest part of the meat, the thermometer should read 200°F or higher. If it does not, continue cooking the pork shoulder until it does.
- After taking the pork shoulder out of the oven or cooking device, let it rest for three minutes before slicing and serving. During this time, the internal temperature will rise by about 5°F.
- If the pork shoulder is sliced too soon, the juices will run out, and the meat will be dry.
- It is best to let the pork shoulder rest for about 10 minutes so that the juices have a chance to redistribute throughout the meat.
- When properly cooked, pulled pork should be juicy and tender. If it is not, something may have gone wrong in the cooking process.
What Temperature Should a Pork Shoulder Reach to be Fully Cooked?
Pork shoulder is a cut of meat that comes from the upper arm of the pig. It is a tough cut of meat, but it is also one of the most flavorful. Pork shoulder can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, braising, or smoking. When cooked properly, pork shoulder is tender and juicy.
The key to cooking a pork shoulder properly is to cook it at a safe internal temperature. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 200°F to be safe to eat. This is the temperature at which all bacteria that can cause food-borne illness are killed. These bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
You can use several methods to ensure your pork shoulder reaches 200°F.
One way is to use a meat thermometer. When the pork shoulder reaches 200°F, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
Another way to ensure your pork shoulder is cooked correctly is to cook it until it falls apart. This can be done by using a slow cooker or smoker.
At 200°F, they found that it makes the meat tougher and drier than it should be.
There will be a little bit of pink with the meat temperature at 145°F, but the USDA approved that pork is safe to remove from the heat as long as it settles without being disturbed.
Just make sure to cook it all the way through and only pull it once the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
What to Do if Pork Shoulder is Tough?
If you have trouble getting your pork shoulder to be tender, try one of these techniques. Hopefully, one of them will help to solve your problem!
One technique is to braise the pork shoulder. Braising means cooking meat in liquid over low heat for a long time. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the pork shoulder more tender.
Another technique is to slow cook the pork shoulder. Slow cooking means cooking food at a low temperature for a long time. This will also help break down the muscle fibers and make the pork shoulder more tender.
Finally, you can try using a crockpot for cooking the pork shoulder. A crockpot is a slow cooker that cooks food at a low temperature for a long time. This is another excellent way to make the pork shoulder more tender.
Final Thoughts
While pork shoulder can be a delicious and economical cut of meat, it’s essential to make sure it is cooked all the way through. Undercooked pork can contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick. And remember, safe food handling practices are always essential, no matter what you’re cooking.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.