How Long To Cook Pork Butt In Oven

If you’re a fan of succulent, juicy, and flavorful pork butt, then you’re probably wondering how long it takes to cook it in the oven to achieve that perfect texture and taste.

As a matter of fact, cooking pork butt can be a bit tricky, as it is a tough cut of meat that requires skillful cooking to break down its connective tissues and create that mouth-watering tenderness we all love. The good news is that with the right cooking techniques, you can easily turn your pork butt into a masterpiece of meat.

In this article, I will show you the steps involved in cooking pork butt in the oven, including the ideal cooking time and temperature. I will also share some helpful tips to ensure your pork butt is cooked to perfection always.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find what you need to know to cook a delicious pork butt right in your oven.

How Long to Cook Pork Butt In an Oven

The ideal cooking time and temperature for pork butt depend on how well done you want your pork butt to be. Getting the right temperature and level of doneness is important to ensure your pork butt is flavorful and 100% safe for consumption. Here are some guidelines to help you cook your pork butt to the perfect level of doneness:

• Rare: If you prefer your pork butt to be rare, you’ll want to cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F. To achieve this, preheat your oven to 350°F and cook the pork butt for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound.
• Medium Rare: For a medium-rare pork butt, cook it to an internal temperature of 150°F. Cook it in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound.
• Medium: If you prefer your pork butt to be medium, you’ll want to cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F. Cook it in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 30-35 minutes per pound.
• Medium Well: You’ll want to cook a medium-well pork butt to an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook it in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 35-40 minutes per pound.
• Well-Done: If you prefer your pork butt to be well-done, you’ll want to cook it to an internal temperature of 170°F. Cook it in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 40-45 minutes per pound.

How Long Should I Cook Pork Butt in an Oven

Multiple factors influence the duration required to make your pork butt reach the desired level of doneness in the oven. These factors include:

1. Temperature

The oven temperature is an important factor to consider when cooking a pork butt. Generally, the recommended temperature for cooking a pork butt is 350°F.

However, depending on the desired result, some recipes may require a higher or lower temperature. Always refer to the recipe you are using for specific temperature instructions.

2. Size of Pork Butt

The size of the pork roast will also impact the cooking time. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pork butt for 20-25 minutes per pound at 350°F.

Nonetheless, if your pork roast is larger or smaller than average, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. To be sure, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork butt.

3. Recipe

Your recipe can also impact how long you cook pork butt in the oven. Some recipes may require a different cooking time or temperature than others, depending on the seasonings, marinades, or glazes used. Always follow the instructions in your recipe for the best results.

4. Family Size

If you are cooking for a large family, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure that everyone is served at the same time. If you are cooking a large pork butt, it may take longer to cook than a smaller one. Plan accordingly and allow enough time for the pork butt to cook fully before serving.

5. Diet

Your dietary preferences will also impact the oven cooking time for your pork butt. For example, if you prefer your pork butt to be well-done, it will take longer to cook than if you prefer it to be medium-rare. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork butt and cook it to your desired level of doneness.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Oven Cooked Pork Butt

Getting the timing and temperature for cooking pork butt right is crucial to achieving your desired doneness. To help you out, we have put together a table of cooking times for different types of pork butt, along with their recommended cooking temperature and internal temperature.

How Long To Oven Cook Pork Butt At 350

Cooking a pork butt at 350°F is popular and often recommended for achieving juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the pork butt, but as a general guideline, it is recommended to cook pork butt for 20-25 minutes per pound at 350°F.

For example, if you have a 5-pound pork butt, it would take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours to cook at 350°F. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork butt to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of at least 145°F for medium-rare to 170°F for well-done.

How Long To Oven Cook Pork Butt at 400

Cooking a pork butt at 400°F is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pork butt, but as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to cook pork butt for 15-20 minutes per pound at 400°F.

For example, if you have a 5-pound pork butt, it would take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook at 400°F. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork butt to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of at least 145°F for medium-rare to 170°F for well-done.

What Is The Doneness Level For The Perfect Pork Butt Cooked in an Oven?

There are different levels of doneness, ranging from rare to well-done, and the cooking time and temperature for these levels of doneness vary depending on the desired level of doneness requested by the pork butt owner.

Here is a table of different types of pork butt and their recommended internal temperature for the perfect level of doneness:

Oven Cooked Pork Butt Recipe: How to Cook Pork Butt in an Oven

If you wish to cook your pork butt using an oven, here is a simple recipe on how to cook pork butt in an oven:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb pork butt.
• 1 tbsp olive oil.
• 2 tbsp kosher salt.
• 1 tbsp black pepper.
• 2 tbsp paprika.
• 2 tbsp garlic powder.
• 1 tbsp onion powder.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar.
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Put the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well to create a dry rub.
• Pat the pork butt dry with paper towels and rub the dry rub all over the pork butt. Make sure to get the rub into all the crevices and folds of the meat.
• Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Once hot, add the pork butt and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Add the apple cider vinegar to the Dutch oven or roasting pan, and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid or aluminium foil.
• Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork butt reaches 145°F for medium-rare to 170°F for well done.
• Once the pork butt has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Video of Cooking Pork Butt in an Oven

See this video to learn more about how to cook pork butt in an oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook pork butt in the oven?

The cooking time for a pork butt in an oven depends on several factors, including the size of the roast, the oven temperature, and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, pork butt should be cooked for approximately 30-40 minutes per pound in a 350°F oven.

However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches the desired level of doneness.

What temperature should I cook pork butt in the oven?

The recommended oven temperature for cooking pork butt is 325°F to 350°F. However, if you’re looking for a crispy crust on the outside, you can increase the temperature to 400°F or higher for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I know when pork butt is done?

The best way to know when pork butt is done is to use a meat thermometer. The recommended internal temperature for pork butt is 145°F for medium-rare to 170°F for well-done. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork butt to get an accurate reading.

Can I cook pork butt at a lower temperature for a longer time?

Yes, you can cook pork butt at a lower temperature for a longer time, such as 250°F for 6-8 hours. This method is known as slow-roasting and can result in more tender and flavorful meat.

How should I prepare pork butt before cooking it in the oven?

Before cooking pork butt in the oven, it’s important to season it with a dry rub or marinade to add flavor. You can also sear the pork butt in a pan on the stovetop before roasting to create a crispy crust on the outside.

Should I cover the pork butt when cooking it in the oven?

It is recommended to cover the pork butt with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil when cooking it in the oven. This will help keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying. You can also add a liquid, such as chicken broth or apple cider vinegar, to the pan for increased flavor and moisture.

Conclusion

Cooking pork butt in an oven is a delicious and satisfying way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. While the cooking time and temperature can vary based on the size of the pork butt and the desired level of doneness, following a few simple tips and using a meat thermometer can help ensure that your pork butt is always well-cooked.

Whether you prefer a rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done pork roast, there’s a cooking method and recipe out there to suit your taste preferences. So fire up your oven, grab your favorite seasonings and cooking tools, and cook a mouth-watering pork butt.