Smoked Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 8 lb bone-in pork shoulder
these may also be labeled as pork butt
- olive oil
- water
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
packed
- 2 Tbsp black pepper
coarsely ground
- 2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onions
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Directions
- 1
Fill hopper of smoker with wood pellets, I usually use applewood, but pecan or cherry would work as well.
- 2
Place all your seasonings (brown sugar, pepper, salt, paprika garlic, minced onion and cayenne) in a small bowl and stir with a fork to combine.
- 3
Add baking dish filled with water to smoker, on the grate on one side of the smoker.
Smoked Pork Shoulder
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About this Recipe
Craving that incredibly tender, fall-apart texture of slow-smoked pork shoulder, right in your own backyard? This recipe delivers an ultra-flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this Smoked Pork Shoulder so special is the low and slow smoking process that transforms a robust cut into something truly sublime. Combined with a meticulously crafted sweet and savory rub, this method ensures deep flavor penetration and that coveted juicy tenderness that defines exceptional pulled pork.
Get ready for a culinary adventure that rewards patience with pure deliciousness. You can expect a richly flavored pork with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes, enhanced by a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. The texture is undeniably fork-tender, shredding effortlessly into succulent strands of meat. This recipe yields a generous 12 servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or ensuring plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.
One of the beauties of this flavorful rub is its adaptability. Feel free to dial up or down the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level, or experiment with adding a touch more brown sugar for extra sweetness. If you're out of dried minced onions, a little onion powder can work in a pinch, though the minced variety adds a unique texture. You could even explore different types of wood chips in your smoker to impart varying smoky nuances.
This incredible Smoked Pork Shoulder is the quintessential centerpiece for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to game day feasts. Serve it piled high on soft buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches, alongside creamy coleslaw, or as the star of tacos and nachos.