Learn how to cook pulled pork on a pellet grill or smoker. Smoking a pork shoulder to make pulled pork might seem intimidating, but it can help you hone your smoking skills.
Pulled Pork on a Charcoal Grill
Pulled Pork on a Charcoal Grill 🔗
If you are just getting started with smoking I highly recommend making a smoke dpork shoulder on your charcoal grill one of the first recipes you try.
Prep: 10min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 294 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 37 g, Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 124 mg, Sodium 483 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, unSaturated Fat 7 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 8 lb Pork Shoulder
- 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 1/4 cup Dry Rub
- 1 cup Apple Juice
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worchestershire
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce (Optional)
Instruction:
- Place the pork shoulder on a clean surface fat cap down, score the top of the meat in a crisis cross pattern about 1/2 inch deep.
- Coat the entire pork butt with mustard on all sides then season generously with dry rub making sure to get the seasoning into all the grooves you cut.
- Build your fire using a dual-zone cooking method so that all of your coals are on one side preferably in baskets to keep the coals in place. Your target temperature should be between 275-300 degrees F.
- You can place a pan below the grill grates and fill it halfway up with water. this will catch drippings from the pork keeping your grill clean as well as adding moisture to the pit.
- once the grill has reached temperature place the pork butt fat side down opposite the fire source. Cook for about 90 minutes before you begin brushing with your mop solution. Continue to brush the pork butt once an hour until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees F.
- At this point Its time to place the pork into a 9×13 pan and cover with foil. Place the pork back on the grill and continue cooking until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees F. The true test for doneness is to probe the meat with a thermometer. it should go into the meat with almost no resistance.
- Once the pork is fully cooked vent the pan and let it rest for 1 hour before shredding. You can hold the pork for up to 4 hours by placing the pork into a dry cooler and covering it with a towel.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook pulled pork on charcoal grill?
This should be cooked for approximately 5 to 6 hours, or about 1 hour per pound, rotating the roast to ensure even cooking and adding more wood chunks to maintain the smoke. Check the grill every hour to ensure the temperature is being maintained and that there is enough water in the water pan.
How do you cook pork butt on a charcoal grill?
The pork butt should be cooked for about 90 minutes fat side down, opposite the fire source, before you start brushing it with your mop solution. You should keep doing this every hour until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165–170 degrees F.
How much charcoal do I use for pulled pork?
If using a rub, you’ll need to apply the rub the night before and refrigerate it. A general rule for barbecued pork is to cook it at approximately 215°F to 225°F for 90 minutes per pound.
Should you smoke pulled pork at 225 or 250?
To add wood flavor, I mix in chunks of pecan and cherry wood with the coals. It will take about 10 pounds of charcoal. Be sure to only go 3/4 of the way around to create the “charcoal snake.” The goal here is to create an even burn slowly around the kettle.
How do you slow cook a pork shoulder on a charcoal grill?
However, both temperature ranges will result in a delicious smoked pork shoulder, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Smoking a pork shoulder at 225 degrees will produce a more tender and juicy final product, while smoking at 250 degrees will give the meat a little more of a crust.