Smoking a pork butt to tender perfection is intensely satisfying. Once you’ve tasted the results, you’ll understand why it pays to do the work yourself. Find out why it’s called “pork butt” when it’s actually part of the shoulder, what “the stall” is and how to power through it, and why the pork should cook to nearly 200 degrees before it’s ready to shred.
Low, Slow, and Worth Every Minute Barbecue’s opening act has always been Boston Butt pork shoulder and pitmasters would be BBQ divas in this case. It’s rich, forgiving, deeply flavorful, and – most importantly – it rewards patience. This is the cut that turns backyard cooks into believers and first-time smokers into lifelong pit obsessives. … Read more
Pulled pork is rich and delicious on its own, but adding the smoky, succulent meat to a toasted bun takes things to a whole new level. Here’s what to put on a pulled pork sandwich the next time you’re lucky enough to be eating one. What To Put On a Pulled Pork Sandwich Coleslaw, barbecue … Read more
When you have a pork shoulder bone on hand, what’s the best way to use it? Whether you’ve removed it from the shoulder before cooking or want to repurpose your leftovers, this guide has you covered. What to Do with Pork Shoulder Bone The best way to use up pork shoulder bones is to make … Read more
There’s no right or wrong way to season your pork shoulder for the smoker. Some folks opt for a spicy rub, while others favor a sweeter flavor profile. And sometimes, a salt and pepper rub for pork shoulder is all you really need. Salt and Pepper Rub For Pork Shoulder To make a simple rub … Read more
Those of you who are new to the wonderful world of barbecue might be wondering what cuts of pork to use when making pulled pork. Is pork tenderloin good for pulled pork? And if so, why? Is Pork Tenderloin Good For Pulled Pork? Pork tenderloin isn’t a good choice for pulled pork. The meat doesn’t … Read more
Pork butt just might be our favorite cut of meat, especially when we’re firing up the smoker. The rich, fatty meat tastes as good as candy when it’s done right. It’s also a cut that goes by many different names. For example, have you ever seen a cut that’s labeled as “dry pork butt?” What … Read more
We’ve been there: You grilled a huge batch of pork chops for a party and wound up with a ton of leftovers. Can you use pork chops for pulled pork in an effort to use up what’s left? And if not, why? Can You Use Pork Chops For Pulled Pork? It’s not a good idea … Read more
Should you spritz pork shoulder or pork butt during the smoke? And if you do, what liquid should you use, and how often should you do it? The answers can affect the outcome of your barbecue. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide on spritzing pork shoulder. Spritz Pork Shoulder / Pork Butt: To … Read more
Is it possible to make a pork butt injection without apple juice? The short answer is yes, but you’ll need more guidance than that. Let’s take a closer look at this preparation method and the best apple juice substitutions. Pork Butt Injection Without Apple Juice Instead of apple juice, try injecting pork butt with chicken … Read more
It’s important to know how long pork shoulder will keep in the fridge both before or after cooking. That way, you can decide whether you have time to cook it off, or if you’ll need to store it in the freezer. This guide will help you explore your options. How Long Does Pork Shoulder Last … Read more
Since meat needs to cook for a long time before it reaches that fall-apart consistency, making pulled pork can be quite a project. That makes it even more disappointing when the results aren’t what you’d hoped. What can you do if your pulled pork comes out too salty? More importantly, how can you avoid this … Read more
Since cuts like pork butt and pork shoulder need to cook for such a long time, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact time when they might be finished. If you pull the pork out of the smoker late in the day, can you wait until tomorrow to shred it? Can You Pull Pork … Read more
Some pitmasters shudder when they see the words “pre-sliced” attached to a meat product. After all, most of us prefer to do the slicing and shredding ourselves. That’s why we got involved in barbecuing to begin with. In the case of pre-sliced pork shoulder, however, we would recommend setting those prejudices aside. Here, we’ll take … Read more
Those of you who prefer a low-key cooking process should try making overnight smoked pork shoulder. The technique allows the smoke to slowly permeate the meat while you sleep, giving you less to do on the day you plan to serve it. Here’s how to pull it off. Overnight Smoked Pork Shoulder When smoking pork … Read more
Have you ever tried smoking multiple pork shoulders at once? Assuming that you have a unit large enough to accommodate them, this can be a great way to boost your total meat yield. In this guide, we’ll share our most useful tips regarding this method. Smoking Multiple Pork Shoulders In order to smoke multiple pork … Read more
Assuming that you have a freezer big enough to accommodate a pork shoulder, you might want to consider storing some of it for a later date. But can you freeze pork shoulder without destroying the texture? And is it better to freeze it before or after cooking? In our guide to freezing pork shoulder, we’ll … Read more
Since pork shoulder is such an immense cut of meat, it’s best to use a per-pound estimate for the cooking time. This will give you a general idea of when the meat might be ready to come off the smoker. Let’s talk about how long to smoke pork shoulder per pound. How Long To Smoke … Read more
It can be agonizing when you’ve waited all day for the pork shoulder to achieve the right temperature, only to have it stall out in the final stage. If you hit the pork shoulder stall at 190, is it all right to take the meat off the smoker? If not, what should you do? Pork … Read more
When’s the best time to apply a seasoning rub? Does it make a difference? The answer to the first question isn’t as straightforward as the second. In this guide, we’ll attempt to answer both of them. When you’ve finished reading, you should be able to decide whether or not to apply pork shoulder rub overnight. … Read more
How much does pulled pork cost per pound on average? Whether you’re buying the pork or hoping to sell it at a competitive price, the answer can point you in the right direction. Pulled Pork Price Per Pound At retail, pulled pork sells for around $4 to $10 per pound, depending on the brand and … Read more
When it’s done right, slow-cooked pork shoulder is an amazing thing. It’s not a difficult skill to master, but there are certain rules you have to follow. Let’s find out how long to smoke pork shoulder at 225 degrees for meat that’s tender and moist throughout. How Long To Smoke Pork Shoulder at 225 Degrees … Read more
As a rule, you should smoke pork shoulder at a low temperature. This is a fatty cut with a great deal of collagen, so it needs time in addition to heat in order to yield the best results. Is 300 degrees low enough? What if you were to ramp up the temperature to 350 degrees? … Read more
As a barbecue enthusiast, you probably keep a lot of vinegar on hand, especially if you prefer to make your own sauce from scratch. Apple cider vinegar, in particular, makes a nice spritzing liquid for pork butt, should you choose to go that route. But what happens if you’re ready to cook, and you’re all … Read more
When you bring a pork shoulder home from the butcher shop, you might expect it to lose some of its package weight due to trimming. But how much does the meat shrink while it’s cooking, and what does that mean for your barbecue? We’re here to provide you with the answers so you’re not caught … Read more
A dependable thermometer is the only reliable method when it comes to testing meat for doneness. Even if you have one, though, large cuts of meat can be tricky. In our in-depth guide, we’ll teach you where to probe pork shoulder to ensure accurate temperature readouts every time. Where To Probe Pork Shoulder When smoking … Read more
Large cuts like pork shoulder can be intimidating, especially for novices. Once you’ve gotten it home, can you cut pork shoulder in half? Or is it better to prepare it all in one go? Let’s find out. Can You Cut Pork Shoulder In Half? Yes. In fact, it’s a good idea to do so if … Read more
At first glance, you can probably tell that pork belly and pork shoulder come from different parts of the animal. But do you know how to put these uniquely delicious cuts to good use? Let’s take a closer look at pork belly vs pork shoulder. Pork Belly vs Pork Shoulder While pork belly is taken … Read more
When you’re planning your menu, the first thing you need to ask yourself is how much meat you need for the number of guests you’re expecting. Once you know that, you can start shopping. But will you need to buy more than one cut? How much does pork shoulder weigh on average, and how many … Read more
Sometimes, when you’re browsing through the meat section of the supermarket, you’ll come across something labeled “pork steak ready shoulder butt.” It looks like it would be a decent match for your pulled pork recipe, but what exactly is this mysterious cut? The answer isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Pork Steak Ready Shoulder … Read more
The resting period is a necessary aspect of the cooking process when it comes to smoked meats. If you try to dig into a pork shoulder or Boston butt as soon as it comes off the grill, your results will suffer—and you’ll probably end up with burned fingers as well. How long should you let … Read more
Brining is an increasingly popular pastime, particularly with large cuts of meat. If you’re planning on preparing a pork shoulder for the smoker, should you brine the meat first? Let’s find out whether or not brining is a good choice for this cut. Pork Shoulder Brine Brining pork shoulder can help it achieve the proper … Read more
By definition, pulled pork needs to be cooked until it’s tender enough to fall into neat shreds under slight pressure. What many people don’t realize, however, is that it’s possible to cook the meat for too long. In this guide, we’ll fill you in on what might happen if you overcook the meat for pulled … Read more
Is there a pool of cooking liquid left behind in your roasting pan after you’ve shredded and served the pulled pork? Lucky you! These drippings can be put to good use, even if you don’t have a scrap of meat left over this time. Let’s take a look at what to do with leftover pulled … Read more
A thick layer of skin is one of the attributes that distinguishes pork shoulder from pork butt. Sometimes the butcher will remove it, but more often than not, it will be your burden to bear. Or is it a blessing in disguise? Let’s find out if it’s better to smoke pork shoulder skin on or … Read more
Since pork shoulder is such an inexpensive option, it can be tempting to buy a lot of it at once. The problem is, you might not have the time to cook it off right away. That’s what freezers are for—but what if you’re ready to start cooking, and you forgot to defrost the pork? Can … Read more
Once you’ve gotten the hang of smoking pork shoulder or Boston butt, you might want to experiment with some different flavor techniques. Brining is one option, but pork injection recipes tend to offer more versatility. Let’s find out if pork shoulder injection is worthy of the hype. Pork Shoulder Injection Injecting pork shoulder (buy a … Read more
Pork shoulder should be smoked at low temperatures in order to tenderize the meat. The question is, how low is too low? In our guide to smoking pork shoulder at 200 degrees, we’ll give you pointers on the best way to handle this unique cut of meat. Smoking Pork Shoulder at 200 Degrees Pork shoulder … Read more
Pork shoulder is an affordable cut that’s often sold in large portions. This makes it an excellent choice for the grill or smoker, particularly if you’ll be hosting a lot of guests. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about smoking boneless pork shoulder. Smoking Boneless Pork Shoulder Pork shoulder, … Read more
Smoking a pork butt is a labor of love. While the effort is minimal, there’s no denying that it takes a great deal of time to get it right. What do you do if you’ve invested plenty of time already, but the pork still hasn’t reached the desired temperature? Or if an unexpected rain shower … Read more
When you’re planning a barbecue, you want to make sure you have enough food to go around. Deciding how much meat to buy is daunting enough, but what about the condiments? How can you be sure you won’t run out? Let’s take a look at how much BBQ sauce per pound of pulled pork you’ll … Read more
There’s nothing like a batch of perfectly cooked pulled pork. When everything goes smoothly, the meat will fall apart with minimal effort, leaving you with meat that’s flavorful, succulent, and juicy. But why is your pulled pork not shredding as easily as it should? Let’s find out what could be causing this problem, so you … Read more
You’ve just taken your perfectly cooked pork roast off the smoker. It’s the right temperature, the bark looks temptingly crisp, and it smells fantastic. You know you need to let it rest, but it’s hard not to dig right in. At this point, you’re probably planning on shredding the meat to make the delicacy known … Read more
You’ve just spent hours making a delectable batch of smoked pulled pork, and the meat came out perfectly. The trouble is, you overestimated how much you would need, and now you’re left with a heap of leftovers. Not to worry—this is a good problem to have. You can come up with several different ways to … Read more
Food terminology can be confusing, especially when it comes to various cuts of meat. For example, pork butt and Boston butt are the same cut of meat. Despite the name, this cut is actually taken from the upper portion of the shoulder. Steaks often go by several different names as well. And then you have … Read more
After you’ve preheated the smoker and coated the pork butt with the perfect blend of seasonings, you’re ready to start cooking. The question is, do you position the pork butt fat side up or down? And why is this important? Our guide has the answers you’re looking for. Pork Butt Fat Side Up or Down … Read more
When pork butt and pork shoulder are cooked over a low fire for a long time, the meat becomes tender enough to shred with a fork. Most barbecue fans already know that, of course. But what does the internal temperature have to be in order for the magic to happen? The answer is a simple … Read more
“Slow and steady wins the race” is a good rule to follow when making pork shoulder. The meat requires long, slow cooking in order to break down the fat and connective tissue. But what’s the proper temperature, and how long should you cook it? In this tutorial, we’ll teach you how long to smoke pork … Read more
It’s a classic scenario: You’ve trimmed and seasoned a nice big pork shoulder and are ready to fire up the smoker. The question is, where do you set the temperature, and how long do you have to wait before the pork is done? Our guide will teach you how long to smoke a pork shoulder … Read more
As every pitmaster knows, pork shoulder takes a long time to cook. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead, particularly if the meat has been frozen beforehand. Let’s talk about defrosting pork shoulder in a safe and timely fashion, so you can be fully prepared for your next cookout. Defrosting/Thawing Pork Shoulder If pork … Read more
When you’re making pulled pork, it’s essential to ensure that the Pork Butt Internal Temperature has reached the correct temperature. Otherwise, it won’t shred properly. You may also find yourself dealing with excess fat and gristle, which is exactly what you don’t want. Our guide will help you hit the right pork butt internal temperature … Read more
If you’re a beginner, you might have heard about the dreaded “pork butt stall” without really understanding what it means. On the other hand, those of us who have experienced it aren’t likely to forget. For future reference, here’s what the term means—and why you shouldn’t fear it. Pork Butt Stall The stall occurs when … Read more
If you’ve ever cooked Boston butt on the grill or smoker, you already know how delicious it can be when it’s done right. Fortunately for us BBQ lovers, it’s also a great deal. This BBQHost.com Boston Butt Price Guide will explain why. Boston Butt Price / Pork Butt Price Boston butt is usually sold at … Read more
Pork butt–also known as Boston butt–is a popular choice for the smoker. Because it’s a fatty cut of meat, it becomes tender and succulent throughout the long cooking process. Although it’s difficult to mess up this process, many chefs are guilty of skimping on one important step: wrapping the pork butt. This step is derided … Read more
When you cook pork butt for a long time at a low temperature, you’re rewarded with juicy, succulent pork that literally pulls apart when you touch it. But what are the Best Methods for Making Pulled Pork? As is the case with most cooking applications, some methods work better than others, and you’ll want to … Read more
Because pulled pork is usually made in large batches, it’s natural for barbecue enthusiasts to wonder: Can you freeze pulled pork and reheat it later? Happily, the answer is yes. Read on to find out how you can master the process and enjoy succulent pulled pork long after the hard work has been done. Can … Read more
Looking to impress your guests with a delicious pile of smoked pulled pork at your next barbecue? It’s a tempting notion. In addition to being a great source of protein, pulled pork is flavorful, versatile, and offers great bang for your buck. Some home chefs balk at the idea of serving pulled pork to a … Read more
If you’ve spent all day making sure your pork butt has been smoked to juicy perfection, the last thing you want is worry about how to keep pulled pork warm and moist before serving. It’s a hurdle that many of us have faced, particularly during large gatherings. Fear not—we’re here to show you how to … Read more
When it’s cooked properly, pulled pork is the carnivore’s version of candy. The smoky, savory flavor pairs perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and it’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes. However, we realize that the process can be intimidating to many cooks. Pulled pork isn’t difficult to make, but it does … Read more