How Long To Cook Pork Butt On Cast Iron

If you’re a meat lover, you probably know that pork butt is one of the tastiest cuts of meat out there. It’s flavorful, delicious, and tender, making it a favorite for BBQ enthusiasts and home cooks. But if you’re new to cooking pork butt, you might wonder how long I cook it on cast iron?

Cooking pork butt on a cast iron can be a great way to lock in flavor and achieve a delicious sear. That said, it is important to get the timing right to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. You don’t want to undercook the pork and risk getting sick, but you don’t want to overcook it and end up with dry, tough meat.

The good news is that cooking pork butt on cast iron is a straightforward process once you know what you’re doing. In this guide, we will go over what you need to know to help you achieve a perfectly cooked pork butt on your cast iron.

How Long to Cook Pork Butt On Cast Iron

When cooking pork butt on cast iron, achieving the perfect level of doneness can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of how long you should cook your pork butt to reach rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done:

• Rare: If you prefer your pork butt rare, you’ll want to cook it for about 12-15 minutes per pound on a cast iron skillet preheated to 375°F (190°C). This should result in an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C).
• Medium-Rare: For a medium-rare pork butt, you’ll want to cook it for around 15-20 minutes per pound on a preheated cast iron skillet set to 375°F (190°C). This should result in an internal temperature around 150°F (66°C).
• Medium: To cook a medium pork butt, you’ll need to cook it for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound on a cast iron skillet preheated to 375°F (190°C). This should result in an internal temperature of around 155°F (68°C).
• Medium-Well: If you prefer your pork butt to be cooked to medium-well, cook it for about 25-30 minutes per pound on a cast iron skillet preheated to 375°F (190°C). This should result in an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C).
• Well-Done: For a well-done pork butt, cook it for about 30-35 minutes per pound on a preheated cast iron skillet set to 375°F (190°C). This should result in an internal temperature of around 165°F (74°C).

How Long Should I Cook Pork Butt On Cast Iron

Before you begin cooking your pork butt, you need to consider certain factors to ensure a good pork butt doneness and taste. The factors to consider include:

1. Temperature

The temperature of your cast iron is a crucial factor in determining how long to cook your pork butt.

2. Size of Pork Butt

The size of your pork roast will also impact how long it takes to cook. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to cook your pork butt for 40-45 minutes per pound. So, if you have a 4-pound pork butt, you can expect it to take about 2.5 to 3 hours to cook thoroughly.

3. Recipe

The recipe you’re using can also affect the cooking time. Some recipes may call for additional cooking time to account for additional ingredients, like vegetables or seasonings. If you’re using a recipe, be sure to follow the cooking instructions provided.

4. Family Size

If you’re cooking for a large family, visitors, or group of people, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Larger cuts of meat can take longer to cook, so be sure to factor in the size of your pork butt and the number of people you’re cooking for when determining how long to cook it.

5. Diet

If you’re following a specific diet, like a keto or paleo diet, you may want to cook your pork butt for a shorter or longer time. For example, some people, especially those on a keto diet prefer their meat cooked to medium-rare or rare, while others prefer it well-done. Similarly, if you’re following a paleo diet, you may want to cook your pork butt for a longer period to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Cast Iron Cooked Pork Butt

With so many different types of pork butt available, it can be tough to know exactly how long to cook them. To help you out, we’ve put together a table of different pork butt names and their respective cooking times, cooking temperatures, and internal temperatures.

What Is The Doneness Level For The Perfect Pork Butt Cooked On Cast Iron?

When cooking pork butt on cast iron, it is important to pay attention to the doneness level to ensure it comes out perfectly. Here are different types of pork butts and their recommended doneness levels when cooked on cast iron:

Note: It is important to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the pork roast accurately. Also, the USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest time, for safe consumption.

Oven Cooked Pork Butt Recipe: How to Cook Pork Butt On Cast Iron

If you wish to cook pork butt on cast iron, here is a simple and delicious recipe for cast iron cooking pork butt:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pound pork butt.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
• 1 tablespoon paprika.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder.
• 1 tablespoon salt.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°+F (150°C).
• Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
• Rub the olive oil all over the pork butt and then sprinkle the spice mixture over the pork, making sure to cover it entirely.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until hot.
• Once hot, add the pork butt to the skillet, fat side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the fat is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the pork butt over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
• Cook for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145-155°F (63-68°C) for medium doneness. You can adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
• Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Video

Watch this video below to see how to cook pork on cast iron.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook pork butt on a cast iron skillet?

The cooking time for pork butt on a cast iron skillet depends on several factors, including the size of the pork roast, the desired doneness level, and the oven temperature. As a general guideline, a 4-5 pound pork butt cooked at 300°F (150°C) will take around 3-4 hours to reach medium doneness (145-155°F or 63-68°C).

However, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure that it’s cooked properly.

What temperature should I cook pork butt on a cast iron skillet?

The oven temperature for cooking pork butt on a cast iron skillet can range from 275°F to 350°F, depending on the desired cooking time and doneness level. As a general rule of thumb, a temperature of 300°F is a good starting point for most recipes.

How can I tell when pork butt is done on a cast iron skillet?

The best way to tell if pork butt is done on a cast iron skillet is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145-155°F (63-68°C) for medium doneness.

You can also check the doneness of the pork by pressing on it with a fork or tongs – if it feels tender and falls apart easily, it’s likely cooked properly.

Can I cook pork butt on a cast iron skillet on the stove?

You can cook pork butt on a cast iron skillet on the stove. Simply heat the skillet over high heat, add the pork, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking at the desired temperature until the internal temperature of the pork reaches the desired level of doneness.

Conclusion

Cooking pork butt on a cast iron skillet can be a delicious and satisfying meal option. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the pork butt, desired doneness level, recipe, family size, and dietary preferences.

It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked properly and reaches the appropriate internal temperature for the desired doneness level. With some practice and experimentation, you can find the perfect combination of cooking time and temperature to create a juicy and flavorful pork butt that will impress your family and friends.