Boston butt is a delicious cut of pork that can be enjoyed in several different ways. However, since Boston butt is such a large portion of meat, it is common to have leftovers no matter which recipe you use it in. If you’ve been left with too much, you’re likely wondering how to reheat a Boston butt safely while still retaining its juicy, tender texture.
You can reheat smaller portions of Boston butt on the stovetop by placing it in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Allow it to cook for five to eight minutes, then add a cup of water to the skillet and cover it for an additional three to five minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions or an entire Boston butt in the oven by wrapping the cut loosely in foil with a cup of water, placing it in an oven-safe dish, and cooking at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes until thoroughly heated.
Methods to Reheat Boston Butt
When reheating Boston butt, the goal is to make sure you’re reheating it safely without drying it out. This can be tricky to do, so your best option is to take it slow to maintain its juiciness. There are two methods you can use to achieve this, which are by reheating on the stovetop or in a conventional oven.
On the Stovetop
The stovetop method is ideal for reheating smaller portions, so if you’re attempting to reheat an entire Boston butt, you’re better off using the oven method. To reheat on the stovetop, you’ll need to:
- Lightly oil a skillet and place over medium heat
- Cook for five to eight minutes
- Add one cup of water to the skillet and cover it
- Let it sit over heat for another three to five minutes
Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit – as recommended by the USDA – it’s safe to enjoy.
In the Oven
This method can be used to reheat both an entire Boston butt or smaller portions. Although it takes longer, it’s easier to retain the meat’s juiciness by using the oven method, so it may be worth the wait if you want your leftovers to be just as delicious as when you first cooked it.
Reheating a Whole Boston Butt
To reheat a whole Boston butt:
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wrap the entire cut loosely in foil
- Place in an oven-safe dish with a cup of water, juice, or broth
- Allow it to cook slowly for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes
- Check periodically until the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit
Once it is reheated all the way through, remove the Boston butt from the oven and allow it to cool before consuming.
Reheating a Single Serving
You can reheat a single serving in the oven following the instructions above. However, instead of placing in a dish with one cup of water, juice, or broth, you’ll use a quarter cup instead. After preheating the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll cook the Boston butt for 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature of each piece is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover Boston butt without drying it out can allow you to enjoy your leftovers for several days after cooking. Use the stovetop method to quickly reheat smaller portions of Boston butt or spend a little extra time using the oven method to reheat anything from smaller portions up to a whole Boston butt. Whichever method you use, always make sure to reheat the meat all the way through so that you can enjoy your leftover Boston butt safely.
