Today, I picked up a pork shoulder from Walmart, planning to grind it for a recipe — and let me tell you, this cut of meat is one of the most underrated treasures in the store. Affordable, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) can be transformed into everything from juicy burgers to hearty sausages, meatballs, or even homemade dumpling filling.
Grinding your own pork might sound like something only professional chefs do, but it’s surprisingly simple — and the flavor difference is huge. When you grind fresh pork shoulder at home, you control the texture, fat content, and freshness. Plus, it gives your dishes that next-level, “made-from-scratch” taste.
Why Pork Shoulder Works So Well
Pork shoulder has the perfect balance of meat and fat, which keeps ground pork juicy and full of flavor. It’s slightly marbled, making it ideal for recipes that need tenderness and moisture — like meatballs, dumplings, chili, breakfast sausage, or Bolognese sauce.
Store-bought ground pork often varies in fat content, but when you grind your own, you can trim or keep as much fat as you like to suit your recipe. This flexibility ensures that your final dish has the perfect flavor and texture every time.
How to Grind Pork Shoulder at Home
Grinding pork shoulder at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Cut the Meat: Trim the pork shoulder of any tough silver skin or large pieces of fat, then cut it into small cubes, about 1–2 inches each.
- Chill the Meat: Place the cubed pork in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. Slightly frozen meat grinds much better and produces a clean texture.
- Grind: Using a meat grinder or the grinding attachment on your stand mixer, feed the pork through on a medium grind setting.
- Season or Mix: Once ground, you can season immediately for recipes or leave plain to use later. Fresh herbs, garlic, or spices work beautifully.
- Store: Use immediately or portion into airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
What to Make with Freshly Ground Pork
Once you’ve ground your pork shoulder, the possibilities are endless. Some delicious ideas include:
- Homemade breakfast sausage with sage and maple syrup
- Pork burgers topped with grilled pineapple and teriyaki glaze
- Spicy pork dumplings or wontons
- Classic pork meatballs simmered in tomato sauce
- Pork chili with beans, peppers, and smoky spices
Freshly ground pork gives each dish incredible depth of flavor — rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
Tips for Best Results
- Always dry the pork slightly before grinding for the best texture.
- Keep the meat cold to prevent smearing and clumping during grinding.
- Use a medium grind for most recipes; coarser for burgers and sausages, finer for dumplings or meatballs.
- Portion and freeze in small batches to make weeknight cooking faster and easier.
Final Thoughts
Buying a simple pork shoulder and grinding it yourself might seem old-fashioned, but it’s one of the best cooking decisions you can make. You save money, control quality, and open up a world of fresh, flavorful meals.
Next time you walk past the meat aisle, grab a pork shoulder and give it a try — once you experience the flavor of freshly ground pork, you’ll never look at pre-ground meat the same way again.