My favorite recipe for Easy Smoked Pulled Pork Butt (or as some folks like to call it, Smoked Pork Shoulder). This is my go-to dish whenever I need to feed a big crowd, and I don’t want to spend all day fussin’ over it in the kitchen. Serve with BBQ baked beans!
This recipe is as easy as pie, and it only requires three simple ingredients. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, this pulled pork is bursting with flavor and will have your taste buds singing praises.
First off, you’ll need a nice-sized pork butt (or shoulder) – I usually aim for about 8-10 pounds. Then, you’ll need some good quality BBQ rub. I make my own, but you can use your favorite brand too. Lastly, you’ll need some hickory wood chips, chunks, or pellets for that delicious smoky flavor.
Smoked Pulled Pork
My simple process for making fall-apart smoked pulled pork is just a delicious method for cooking pork butt with the most flavor. It’s a pretty easy process that just requires time, a few simple ingredients, and a good ol’ smoker.
This post is the perfect guide to making your first pulled pork. before getting started, make sure to read through this post (there are lots of tips for success.) Scroll down to print the recipe card so you’ll be prepared to smoke this delicious roast to perfection!
I call my smoked pulled pork butt recipe “easy” because of how little hands-on effort it takes! It doesn’t require any ingredients or tools (or wrapping) for it to turn out finger-licking good every. single. time!
All you really need to make this recipe a success is:
- A nice 8-10lb pork shoulder,
- Yellow Mustard,
- A good BBQ rub, (Mine is below or use your favorite!)
- A good smoker, (I’m using an Electric Smoker here.)
- And… Plenty of time!
That’s it! There are a few additional options, but that’s all you really need!
Smoked Pork Butt vs. Smoked Pork Shoulder
When it comes to smoking pork, it’s important to know the difference between a pork butt and a pork shoulder. Although most smoked pork butt recipes call for a bone-in pork shoulder, which can also be labeled as a Boston butt roast or a pork butt, all of these labels refer to the same cut of pork.
Interestingly, none of these cuts actually come from the pig’s rear end, as the name “pork butt” might suggest. Instead, they are cut from the upper part of the shoulder. The pork butt or pork shoulder contains multiple muscles that work hard, and these muscles are tightly connected by connective tissue.
This tough connective tissue is what makes this cut ideal for smoking. Trying to slice and serve a pork shoulder roast that hasn’t been cooked low and slow to break down these tight muscles and connective fibers would be challenging. You’d be chewing for quite a while without making much progress. So, the next time you’re preparing to smoke some pork, keep in mind that the pork butt and pork shoulder are one and the same, and make sure to take your time cooking it to perfection.
By using this slow and low cooking method for a tougher cut of meat, the connective tissues will break down, become tender, and transform into a fall-apart tender & flavorful smoked pork shoulder.
Sweet & Savory Dry Rub Recipe
Whenever I’m cooking a pork shoulder for some delicious pulled pork, I love using a sweet and savory dry rub to add loads of flavor. Here’s my go-to recipe for a 10-pound pork shoulder that never disappoints:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Slather your pork roast with yellow mustard.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Generously apply the dry rub to the entire surface of the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it well.
- Allow the mustard ad dry rub to rest on the pork shoulder for at least 30 minutes before cooking. *For best results, put it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge overnight!*
- Smoke or roast the pork shoulder low and slow (at 225 degrees) until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-200°F internal temper.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker or oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before pulling the meat apart with forks.
This dry rub will create a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors on your pulled pork, and the brown sugar will help create a caramelized crust on the outside of the meat. Enjoy!
Smoker Temperature
For the best pulled pork I recommend setting your smoker to a temperature of 225°F. This will allow for slow and steady cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Fat Cap
When it comes to smoking a pork butt or shoulder, the way you place the meat on the smoker can make a big difference in the end result. One thing to keep in mind is the fat cap – that’s the layer of fat that sits on top of the meat.
Many pitmasters believe that placing the pork butt with the fat side allows the fat to melt and drip down over the meat, keeping it moist and adding flavor. Others prefer to place the meat with the fat cap facing down to protect the meat from direct heat and prevent it from drying out.
Personally, I like to place my pork butt with the fat cap facing up, but there’s no one “right” way to do it. Experiment and find what works best for you and your smoker.
Another important consideration when placing the pork butt on the smoker is making sure it’s in a spot where it will cook evenly. You want to avoid any hot spots or areas where the meat might be too close to the heat source.
I like to place my pork butt on the grate with plenty of space around it so that the smoke and heat can circulate evenly. If you’re smoking more than one pork butt at a time, make sure there’s enough space between them as well.
By paying attention to the fat cap and the placement of the meat on the smoker, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, melt-in-your-mouth smoked pork butt or shoulder.
How Long To Smoke Pork Butt – Cook Time
When it comes to smoking a pork butt, knowing how long to smoke it can be tricky. Generally, you can plan on smoking your pork butt for about 1.5-2 hours per pound of meat.
So, for a 10-pound pork butt like the one I use for my simple smoked pulled pork recipe, I can expect it to take between 15-20 hours to smoke to perfection.
Now, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Every piece of meat is different, and a variety of factors such as weather conditions, the temperature of your smoker, and the thickness of the meat can all impact how long it takes to smoke.
That’s why it’s important to use a good instant-read probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat throughout the smoking process. When the temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 195-200 degrees F, you’ll know your pork butt is ready to be taken off the smoker.
One tip I’ve found helpful is to plan ahead and start smoking your pork butt the day before you plan to serve it. That way, if it takes a little longer to smoke than you expected, you’ll still have plenty of time to let it rest before serving.
Smoking a pork butt requires a bit of patience and attention, but the end result is well worth it! Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the long smoking time, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork every time!
Recipe Card
Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe
My favorite recipe for Easy Smoked Pulled Pork Butt (or as some folks like to call it, Smoked Pork Shoulder). This is my go-to dish whenever I need to feed a big crowd, and I don't want to spend all day fussin' over it in the kitchen. Serve with BBQ baked beans!
Ingredients
- 1-10 pound pork shoulder
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Slather your pork roast with yellow mustard.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Generously apply the dry rub to the entire surface of the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it well.
- Allow the mustard ad dry rub to rest on the pork shoulder for at least 30 minutes before cooking. *For best results, put it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge overnight!*
- Smoke or roast the pork shoulder low and slow (at 225 degrees) until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-200°F internal temper. (15-20 hours)
- Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker or oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before pulling the meat apart with forks. Serve & Enjoy my friend!
Notes
For the best pulled pork I recommend setting your smoker to a temperature of 225°F. This will allow for slow and steady cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
When it comes to smoking a pork butt or shoulder, the way you place the meat on the smoker can make a big difference in the end result. One thing to keep in mind is the fat cap - that's the layer of fat that sits on top of the meat.
Temperature Stall
When it comes to smoking pork butts, one thing I’ve learned is to invest in a good instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. This is especially important during the “Stall” phase of the cooking process.
As I smoke the meat, I’ve noticed that it rises in temperature quickly up to about 145 degrees F, but then the cooking process slows down dramatically. It can take hours to get the temperature to increase from 145 degrees F to 165 degrees F, but don’t worry, it’s completely normal.
During the Stall, I just keep everything cooking and trust the process. Pitmasters often choose to wrap their smoked pork butt in aluminum foil (or, better yet, butcher paper) at this point to shorten the cooking process and heat their pork butt past the Stall. However, for my simple smoked pork butt recipe, I don’t wrap it at all….. It’s much easier that way, just takes a little more time… More time means more smoke, and that translates to more flavor!
Just let the smoker continue to work its magic on your pork shoulder… This is the best way to develop a delicious exterior “crust” on your meat called “bark.” To those who aren’t familiar with the world of BBQ, this dark, caramelized “bark” can look burnt, but to those who know… The exterior crust (Bark) is coveted!
So, don’t panic when you hit the Stall phase… Trust the process and keep on smoking!
*Optional – Water Pan
The water pan is an essential component of this smoked pork butt recipe, as it helps to regulate the temperature inside the smoker and keep the meat moist during the long cooking process. For this recipe, I recommend filling the water pan with hot water and placing it on the bottom rack of the smoker.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your smoked pork butt, you could consider adding apple juice or apple cider vinegar to the water pan instead of plain water. Simply substitute the hot water with either apple juice or a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water in the water pan, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
The apple juice or apple cider vinegar will add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor to the meat, which complements the smoky flavor from the wood chips. Additionally, the acidity in the juice or vinegar can help to tenderize the meat and make it more succulent.
So, go ahead and experiment with different liquids in your water pan to see how it affects the flavor and texture of your smoked pork butt or shoulder.
How to Serve Smoked Pulled Pork
I highly recommend serving this smoked pulled pork as a main dish for any occasion. Once the meat has been shredded, I like to serve it on a platter with a side of barbecue sauce for guests to add to their liking. Alternatively, it can be served on a bun as a classic pulled pork sandwich, or used as a topping for nachos or pizza. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve With Smoked Pulled Pork
This smoked pulled pork is so delicious, it goes great with so many things… My favorite are:
How to Store Leftovers
After smoking a pork butt for pulled pork, I recommend storing any remaining meat in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you have more leftovers than you can eat in that time, you can also freeze the pulled pork for later use. To do this, simply place the meat in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen pulled pork, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. Once it’s thawed, you can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until it’s heated through.
Picnic Roast vs Pork Butt
As a mom who enjoys smoking meats, I’ve learned that pork butt and picnic roast are both popular cuts for smoking, but they have some differences. When smoking pork butt, I prefer it because it contains more fat and marbling than a picnic roast, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. Additionally, it’s easier to shred for pulled pork due to its uniform texture and less connective tissue.
On the other hand, when smoking a picnic roast, I have to be more careful and attentive during the cooking process because it has more bone and connective tissue. This requires a longer cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness. While it may require more effort, the end result can be equally delicious.
In conclusion, both cuts can be delicious when smoked correctly, but if I had to choose one, I would go for pork butt due to its flavor and ease of cooking. But don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, as you might just discover a new favorite!
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