Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe
Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe
Are you a fan of tender, juicy, and flavorsome pulled pork? Look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to perfect smoked pulled pork. Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is sure to make your taste buds dance with delight.
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Learn how to create tender, flavorful smoked pulled pork that will leave you craving more. Enhance your grilling skills and amaze your taste buds!
Introduction
Smoked pulled pork is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings friends and family together. The slow smoking process infuses the meat with a smoky aroma and creates a mouthwatering crust, while keeping the interior tender and juicy. This article will take you through an easy, step-by-step smoked pulled pork recipe that guarantees delicious results.
Ingredients
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pork shoulder (about 5-8 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
- Your preferred BBQ sauce (optional)
- Buns or rolls for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
Start by rinsing the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trimming excess fat is optional, but it can enhance the tenderness and flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Apply the Rub
Combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to make the rub. Generously massage the pork shoulder with this mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using your preferred wood chips or chunks. Popular choices include hickory, apple, or cherry.
Step 4: Smoke the Pork Shoulder
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on the smoker grate, fat side up, and close the lid. Maintain a constant temperature of 225°F (107°C) throughout the cooking process. Depending on the size of the shoulder, smoking time can range from 1.5 to 2 hours per pound.
Step 5: Spritz and Monitor
Every hour or so, spritz the pork shoulder with apple juice or apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and add another layer of flavor. Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature until it reaches 195°F (91°C). This is the ideal temperature for tender pulled pork.
Step 6: Rest and Pull
Once the pork shoulder reaches the target temperature, remove it from the smoker, tent it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 30-60 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender end result.
Using two forks or your hands, pull the pork apart, discarding any excess fat. The meat should easily shred and fall apart, creating succulent strands of smoky goodness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the smoked pulled pork on buns or rolls, accompanied by your favorite BBQ sauce on the side. Add some coleslaw, pickles, or onions for an extra crunchy and tangy kick. This dish pairs perfectly with cornbread, mac and cheese, or a refreshing salad.
Tips and Variations
- Experiment with different wood flavors like mesquite, oak, or pecan to add unique smoky profiles to your pulled pork.
- For a spicy twist, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub or add some hot sauce to your BBQ sauce.
- To save time, you can also cook the pork shoulder in a slow cooker or an oven using the same smoking rub and spritzing technique.
With this smoked pulled pork recipe, you’ll be the hero of your next backyard gathering or family gathering. The tender and flavorful meat will have everyone coming back for seconds. So fire up that smoker, grab your favorite sauce, and get ready to experience the ultimate pulled pork feast!