Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe

There's nothing quite like the taste of tender, juicy, and smoky pulled pork. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving some Southern comfort food, this smoked pulled pork recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly smoked pulled pork that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4-5 pound) pork shoulder or pork butt
• 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 mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry) for smoking

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper to create the spice rub.
3. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and generously coat it with the spice rub, making sure to cover all sides.
4. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
5. Add wood chips to the smoker box or directly to the coals to achieve the desired smoke flavor. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips work well with pork.
6. Smoke the pork shoulder for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C). This low and slow cooking method allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender pulled pork.
7. Once the internal temperature is reached, remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Using two forks or meat claws, shred the smoked pork shoulder into smaller pieces. The meat should easily pull apart.
9. You can serve the pulled pork as is or toss it with your favorite barbecue sauce to add some extra flavor.

Smoked pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it on a soft bun with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich. Use it as a topping for nachos or loaded fries. Mix it into mac and cheese for a delicious twist. The possibilities are endless!

Now you are equipped with a delicious smoked pulled pork recipe. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe will surely impress. Fire up your smoker and get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of homemade pulled pork.