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Smoked Pork Shoulder Photo

Smoked Pork Shoulder Recipe

David Dial
Smoked Pork Shoulder should be in every griller and smoker's repertoire. Easier than you think, and sure to please a whole mess o' people.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes
Course Entrée
Servings 16 1/4 pound per person
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5-7 pounds Pork Shoulder also called Pork Butt or Boston Butt
  • hickory wood chips or chunks
  • Lump Charcoal
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Red Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin

Instructions
 

  • Remove pork shoulder from the refrigerator to allow it to begin to come to room temperature.
  • Load the smoker or grill with the lump charcoal and wood chunks. Light the charcoal and adjust air valves on the smoker until you achieve a steady temperature between 225°F-240°F. (Note: this will likely take about 30 minutes, so plan accordingly!)
  • Meanwhile, combine all of the spices for the Rub in a small bowl; mix until well combined.
  • Rub all sides of the pork shoulder with the Rub.
  • Insert the probe thermometer into the center of the pork. (Note: Make sure probe is not touching bone as that will yield an incorrect temperature.)
  • Place pork shoulder on the grill and close lid. (Note: Do not open lid again unless you need more charcoal. Lump charcoal is recommended here as it burns longer than charcoal briquettes.)
  • Occasionally check the temperature of the grill. If the temperature has moved outside of the 225°F-240°F range, then adjust air vents as necessary.
  • Once the pork shoulder reaches an internal temperature of 190°F-195°F, remove it from the grill and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place pork shoulder in a cooler to rest for 1-2 hours. (This is an important step as it allows the pork to reabsorb the juices.)
  • Using a carving knife and two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces.

Notes

  • Pork shoulder is also called pork butt or Boston butt.
  • Your cook time could be anywhere from 7-10 hours, depending on the size of your pork shoulder.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 162mg
Keyword Barbecues, Dinners, Pork, Sandwiches, Smoked
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