June 14, 2023
Pork is a practical meat to always have on hand. There are a variety of cuts that are perfect for any occasion—from smoky ribs for a family BBQ to juicy tenderloin for date night. Master your pork knowledge and learn about the most popular cuts and cooking methods.
The Six Most Popular Pork Cuts
If you are looking for succulent pork options to serve at home, you can’t go wrong with these six common cuts you can find in your local wholesale grocery store.
1. Pork Chops
Chops come from the loin region, which runs from the shoulder to the hip. Home cooks love them for their lean meat and mild flavor. You’ll find both loin chops and rib chops at your wholesale grocery store.
Pan-searing, oven-roasting, and slow-cookers are great ways to cook up this cut of pork.
What’s for Dinner? Stir fry and stewsare an easy weekday meal. You can also cook the chops whole on the stovetop.
2. Pork Tenderloin
Speaking of the loin region, the tenderloin cut also comes from this area. The tenderloin is the most tender meat found on the pig and is exceptionally versatile. Tenderloins are boneless, making them easy to cook whole or break down into pieces.
Tenderloins can overcook easily, so ensure you have your thermometer. Going over 145 or 150 degrees could cause the meat to dry out.
What’s for Dinner? This classic recipe for tenderloin features mustard and herbs and gets finished in the oven.
3. Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder tends to get more of a workout, so the muscle is tougher. However, it also contains a good amount of fat, so it benefits from low and slow cooking to help it turn nice and juicy.
You will find both bone-in and boneless pork shoulder. It also might be labeled under pork butt or Boston butt.
What’s for Dinner? Calling all taco lovers. Pork shoulder is the meat to get forjuicy carnitas.
4. Pork Loin Roast
Don’t confuse this cut with pork loin chops or tenderloin. Pork loin roast is its own delectable cut and comes from the area between the shoulder and the leg. The cut is large and very budget friendly and shines when slow-roasted.
While the size of a whole loin roast might seem daunting, you can toss it in a roasting pan or crockpot and forget about it for an hour or so.
What’s for Dinner? A traditional oven roast with garlic sauce is an effortless meal that will provide plenty of leftovers.
5. Pork Belly
Chances are you are already familiar with pork belly. This cut is famously cured and aged to make bacon and pancetta. However, you can buy uncured portions and cook them as is for a melt-in-your-mouth meal.
Pork belly responds well to braising to remove some fat but keep the texture intact.
What’s for Dinner? Chinese-style braised pork belly is a fun weekend dinner for the whole family.
6. Pork Ribs
Baby back and spare ribs are the two most common pork rib cuts. Baby back ribs have more meat than spare ribs and come from beneath the loin muscle. Spare ribs come from the breastbone area.
Both cuts pack a ton of flavor and love hitting a hot grill. St. Louis ribs are trimmed-down spare ribs and can be treated similarly.
What’s for Dinner? When given proper time, smoked baby back ribs slathered in BBQ sauce can provide the perfect bite that always hits the spot.
More Popular Pork Options
We can’t have a complete pork shopping guide without mentioning some home cooks’ favorites. While these aren’t traditional cuts, you will find them in your restaurant supply store:
Find Exceptional Pork and Other Ingredients for Your Next Meal
US Foods CHEF’STORE is your go-to for favorite pork cuts at budget-friendly prices. We also stock everything you need to complete your at-home menu, including fresh produce, spices, and more.
Stop by one of our convenient locations or get ingredients delivered straight to your door.