A Beginner’s Guide to Pork Cuts: What You Need to Know

When it’s time to cook a delicious, hearty meal for your family, pork is often the go-to choice. Whether you're crisping up bacon for breakfast, grilling pork chops for dinner, or slow-cooking tender pulled pork, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this versatile meat.  

But have you ever wondered exactly where those different cuts come from? Or which cooking method works best for each cut? Understanding the basics of pork cuts can take your home cooking to the next level!

At Just Pork, we’re provide all-natural, premium pork that’s born and raised in the USA, vegetarian-fed, Duroc-sired, and raised without growth hormones. Not only is our pork packed with unbeatable flavor, but it’s also better for you and your family.  

Ready to get to know your pork cuts a little better? Let’s dive into the essentials!  

The Four Main Pork Cuts:

There are four main “primal” cuts that serve as the starting point for most of the delicious cuts you’ll find at the butcher or in your Just Pork order.  

✅ Shoulder: Perfect for slow-cooking and shredding.  
✅ Loin: Lean and tender, ideal for grilling or roasting.  
✅ Ribs: Flavor-packed and best enjoyed smoked or grilled.  
✅ Belly/Side: Rich and fatty, giving us bacon and pork belly.  

Each of these sections can be further divided into “subprimal” cuts—let’s explore them in more detail.  

1️⃣ Pork Shoulder: Perfect for Low and Slow 

If you’re looking for a cut that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for slow-cooking, pork shoulder is your best bet. It’s marbled with fat, which melts down during long cooking times to create succulent, fall-apart-tender pork.  

🥩 Popular Shoulder Cuts:  
- Pork Butt (Boston Butt): Ideal for pulled pork, smoked to perfection, or braised for hours.  
- Picnic Shoulder: Slightly leaner but still packed with flavor—great for slow cooking or roasting.  

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Low and slow! Whether it’s smoked on the grill or simmered in a slow cooker, pork shoulder turns out best when cooked gently over several hours.  

2️⃣ Pork Loin: Lean, Tender, and Versatile  

Pork loin is one of the most popular cuts, known for its lean, tender meat and mild flavor. It’s a great option for quick weeknight dinners or fancy weekend meals, depending on how you prepare it.  

 🥩 Popular Loin Cuts: 
- Pork Chops: Thick and juicy, perfect for grilling or pan-searing.  
- Pork Tenderloin: Extra lean and quick to cook, making it a busy parent’s best friend.  
- Center Cut Loin Roast: Great for family dinners when roasted low and slow.  

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Pork loin is super versatile—grill, roast, sear, or bake it for equally delicious results.  

3️⃣ Pork Ribs: Smoky, Sticky Goodness  

Is there anything more satisfying than sinking your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs? Pork ribs come from the ribcage and are packed with flavor, making them perfect for barbecues and family gatherings.  

🥩 Popular Rib Cuts:  
- Baby Back Ribs: Smaller and more tender, best cooked on the grill or smoked.  
- St. Louis Strip Ribs: Meatier and richer in flavor, often slow-cooked for hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.  

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Low and slow is key! Whether you’re smoking, grilling, or baking, patience pays off with perfectly cooked ribs.  

 4️⃣ Pork Belly: Rich, Crispy, and Irresistible 

Pork belly is where bacon comes from—and we all know that’s a breakfast favorite! But beyond bacon, pork belly itself is a luxurious, fatty cut that can be roasted, braised, or fried to crispy perfection.  

🥩 Popular Belly Cuts: 
- Bacon: Whether you prefer it thick-cut, thin, or somewhere in between, bacon is a versatile classic.  
- Pork Belly: Perfect for roasting or slow-cooking for crispy, tender results.  

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Roast pork belly at high heat for crispy skin, or braise it for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.  

5️⃣ Pork Leg: The Star of Holiday Dinners

Pork leg, often referred to as ham, is where many holiday classics come from. Whether you’re roasting a fresh ham or slicing into a smoked spiral ham, pork leg cuts are a staple for large gatherings.  

 🥩 Popular Leg Cuts:  
- Ham Steak: Fully cooked and ready to go, great for quick meals.  
- Bone-In Spiral Ham: Pre-cut and easy to serve for holiday dinners.  
- Country Ham: Salt-cured and packed with bold flavor.  

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Roast at a low temperature for a juicy, flavorful centerpiece.  

6️⃣ Ground Pork: Quick, Easy, and Flavorful 

Ground pork is a versatile, protein-packed option that can be used in countless recipes. From juicy burgers and meatballs to tacos and stir-fries, ground pork is an easy go-to for busy families.  

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Pan-fry, bake, or grill—ground pork adapts to any method you choose.  

 

🥩 Why Choose Just Pork?  

At Just Pork, we’re committed to delivering premium, all-natural pork that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Here’s what sets us apart:  

✔️ Duroc-Sired Pork: Known for superior marbling, flavor, and tenderness.  
✔️ Raised Without Growth Hormones: For clean, healthy meat.  
✔️ Vegetarian-Fed & Born in the USA: Supporting sustainable farming practices.  

No matter which cut you choose, you can trust that Just Pork brings quality and care to every package—making it easier for you to serve healthy, flavorful meals to your family.  

🍽️ Ready to Taste the Difference?