Pork loin vs. Pork Shoulder - The Differences

Although they come from the same animal, pork loin and pork shoulder are actually significantly different cuts of meat. They have different purposes, different textures, and need to be prepared differently.

What makes pork loin different from pork shoulder?

Apart from the fact that they come from different parts of the pig’s body (the loin from the area between the shoulder and hind legs and the shoulder from the top of the shoulder and between the shoulder blades), the pork shoulder has a significantly increased fat, connective tissue, and collagen, all of which affect how it should be prepared. 

Read on to find out everything you need to know when distinguishing between pork loin and pork shoulder.

The difference between pork loin and shoulder

It is time to talk about nutrition, flavor and answer some questions that usually arise when choosing and distinguishing between different cuts of pork.

What is pork loin?

Pork loin is a comparatively leaner cut of meat, which means it has less fat than pork shoulder.

Although it is the leanest cut of the pork, it is also the most tender.

Pork tenderloin is often found in the form of pork chops, although a whole pork tenderloin can be made into a delicious, juicy pork roast.

pork loin cuts

As we’ve already said, the two most common ways to find pork loin are as pork chops and as pork loin roast.

When it comes to pork chops, the bone is often left in, resulting in the characteristic T-bone shape and juicier, more tender meat. Bone-in pork chops are usually thicker than boneless pork chops.

On the other hand, pork loin can also be found as a whole, intact cut of meat, often referred to simply as “pork roast.”

Pork loin is best when roasted whole and with the bone in , although it can also be prepared without the bones and stuffing.

Remember that pork loin is the most tender cut of pork , but only when properly prepared. If the pork loin is overcooked, it is very easy for it to become dry and tough.

There are different methods that should be used when it comes to preparing pork chops vs. pork loin.

How to cook pork chops

Pork chops can be prepared in a variety of ways, from the stove to the oven and even on the grill.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the internal temperature of the meat must reach 145 degrees F before it is safe to eat.

Also, you should always properly season pork chops before cooking them.

If you make the pork chops in the oven, you will want to cook them over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the outer crust is golden brown.

Alternatively, you can pan fry the pork chops, first breading the meat and then cooking it in hot oil for 6-8 minutes, turning once.

To cook pork chops in the oven, roast uncovered at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and tender but not dry.

Grilling pork chops is the easiest way to accidentally dry them out, and a great tip to avoid this is to marinate them a few hours ahead of time.

Finally, grilling pork chops is a delicious alternative cooking method that works especially well when barbecue sauce or a similar glaze is added.

To make grilled pork chops, marinate the meat with seasonings ahead of time, then cook on a preheated grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning once.

Brush the meat with the barbecue sauce or glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent charring.

The best way to cook pork loin

Pork loin, on the other hand, is almost always prepared in the oven, which is where the term “roast pork” comes from.

As a general rule of thumb, a pork loin should be roasted at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes per pound of meat.

Always check the internal temperature of meat before serving, which should reach at least 145 degrees F.

A pork roast is undoubtedly more flavorful when seasoned and/or glazed, so be sure to apply a rub or sauce beforehand.

Ideally, sear the pork loin in the oven before roasting to brown the outer layer. Brush the pork loin during the roasting process to prevent it from drying out.

What is pork shoulder?

The pork shoulder, as you may have guessed, comes from the top of the pig’s shoulder.

As we have pointed out before, it is rich in fat and connective tissue, which makes it especially suitable for slow roasting and smoking.

Pork shoulder is sometimes also referred to as “pork butt” or “Boston butt”, which can be a bit confusing.

Pork shoulder usually includes the shoulder bone, making it a cleaver pork roast. If the cut includes the lower arm, it is called an arm roast.

This well-marbled cut is typically roasted whole and is the perfect candidate for pulled pork, as its high concentration of fat and gristle help prevent it from drying out during long cooking times.

The pork shoulder is also often used to make minced pork and pork pies.

The best way to cook pork shoulder

The pork shoulder, like the loin, can be prepared in various ways. Perhaps the most popular form is roasted or smoked whole, which can be done in the oven, slow cooker, or smoker.

Slow cooking pork shoulder is the best way to make pulled pork. However, the pork shoulder can also be cut up for use in stews.

To roast the pork shoulder in the oven, cook it at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes per pound, uncovered.

To prepare it in a slow cooker, cook it on low heat for 6-8 hours, until the meat is tender enough to easily separate with two forks.

To smoke the pork shoulder, preheat a smoker to 225 degrees F for indirect smoking and cook for 15-20 hours, or until the pork has reached an internal temperature of 195 degrees F.

Nutritional difference: Pork loin vs. pork shoulder

Pork loin is by far the healthier option when it comes to comparing the nutritional value of pork loin and pork shoulder.

Pork loin has fewer calories, less fat, less cholesterol, less sodium, and more protein than the same amount of pork shoulder.

Read on to find out the nutritional details of pork loin and pork shoulder.

Price difference: Pork loin vs. pork shoulder

While pork loin is the healthier option when comparing pork loin and pork shoulder, pork shoulder tends to be the more affordable option.

While pork loin is typically $3-$5/kilo, pork shoulder is typically $1-$3/kilo.

This price difference accumulates when large quantities of meat are purchased, so it must be taken into account if price is an important factor when choosing pork.

Related questions

Thanks for reading everything we thought you should know about the differences between pork loin and pork shoulder. Below we have answered all the questions we are most frequently asked about these two servings of meat.

Can the loin be substituted for the pork shoulder?

As you can see, we’ve noted a number of differences above that make pork loin and pork shoulder very different cuts of meat.

With this in mind, it’s usually not a good idea to substitute pork shoulder for pork loin in a recipe and vice versa.

If you try to roast a pork shoulder in the same method as a pork loin roast, you’ll end up with a very fatty piece of meat.

Also, if you try to smoke the pork loin or use it to make pulled pork instead of using the pork shoulder, the meat will dry out quickly.

It is best to stick to the cut of meat called for in a recipe when cooking with pork. 

How to prevent pork loin from drying out?

As we have mentioned, one of the most common problems when cooking with pork loin is that the meat becomes dry.

Because it has a relatively low concentration of fat, long cooking times will not soften it, but rather make it hard and dry. 

To prevent your pork loin from drying out, you should avoid slow cooking methods, such as the slow cooker or smoker. When cooking pork loin chops in the oven or on the grill, cook for the shortest amount of time possible, between 6 and 10 minutes, just until the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Soaking the pork loin in brine or a marinade for 2-6 hours before cooking will help tenderize the meat and prevent it from drying out.

When grilling, baste the pork loin periodically so it stays moist and doesn’t get tough.

What is the best cut of pork?

The answer to this question really depends on what type of pork you like best.

If you’re a big fan of pulled pork , the pork shoulder is the right cut for you.

If you like your pork tender and juicy, go for the pork loin. If you want to grill a pork loin, buy it bone-in, which helps preserve the natural flavor of the meat.

Pork loin, which also comes from a similar area of the body as pork loin but is a different cut, is another incredibly tender piece of meat.

But we can’t forget about ham, which comes from the pig’s hind leg, roast pork ribs and, of course, bacon, which is cut from the belly side of the pig.

No matter what your preferences are, there is a perfect cut of pork for everyone!