As a follow up to this recent post, I've discovered that the quite large pork butt I received (9+ lbs), doesn't fit in my 7.3qt dutch oven.
https://imgur.com/a/Fane3Bb
It is currently frozen; I think when it thaws I may be able to cram it in there and make it fit, but not sure if it's best not to overcrowd the pot, or if that's ok with the slow roasting. Would it be better for me to cut it to size and just cook a portion of it? If so, how much and is there a best way to slice it?
Really appreciate any advice or input. Thanks in advance for any help.
by -SpaghettiCat-
7 Comments
You’ll want to trim off a good bit of that fat cap which should free up some more space. Then I’d cut it up a bit
I think that at that low a temperature in a braise, you should be ok as long as there’s some room somewhere around the sides for some circulation.
You could also cut off a fairly big chunk and cook a smaller one and smoke the smaller piece later.
Or cut it into chunks and make carnitas.
If pot-roasting it, cut it into chunks..it’ll fit.
Otherwise try a dry-roast?
Are you using it for pulled pork? If so, you can just cut it into chunks to fit. In fact, you should, as it gives you some extra surfaces to sear at the start
lol I literally just had to deal with the same amount of pork from Costco. I can comfortably fit 6-7 pounds of shoulder chunks in my 7.5 qt Dutch oven for chili verde, but I’d recommend splitting your meat into 5 pound portions for the recipe you have planned. A full pot is super heavy and you won’t be able to add as much liquid, but it can hold a lot for a moist braise.
I’ve done 6-7 lb roasts in my dutch oven and they barely fit and are a pain to turn when searing. I’d definitely cut it in half. You’ll have to refreeze one unless you really need 9 lbs of pork ASAP and can cook the other.
my 6 year old child says – cut it in half , LOL