Turning a Simple
Pork Shoulder into Something Amazing
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, which makes 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.
🔪 How to Grind Pork Shoulder at Home
If you’ve never done it before, here’s how easy it is:
Cut the pork shoulder into small cubes (about 1–2 inches).
Chill the meat in the freezer for 20–30 minutes — it grinds better when it’s firm.
Meat grinder
Using a meat grinder or the grinding attachment on your stand mixer, feed the pork through on a medium grind setting.
Season or mix as needed for your recipe — fresh herbs, garlic, or spices go a long way!
Use immediately or refrigerate/freeze in portions for later.
🍽️ What to Make with Freshly Ground Pork
Once you have your freshly ground pork, the possibilities are endless:
Homemade breakfast sausage with sage and maple syrup
Pork burgers topped with grilled pineapple and teriyaki glaze
Ground pork recipes
Spicy pork dumplings or wontons
Classic pork meatballs simmered in tomato sauce
Pork chili with beans, peppers, and smoky spices
Homemade ground pork gives each dish an incredible depth of flavor — rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Buying a simple pork shoulder and grinding it yourself might sound 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.
So next time you walk past the meat aisle, grab a pork shoulder and give it a try — you’ll never look at pre-ground pork the same way again. 🥩✨
