If you own a Traeger or really any smoker, one of the go to recipes you just have to try is pulled pork. This is the best Traeger pulled pork recipe! It’s so simple. You just have to make sure you have enough time to get it done before your guests arrive. Pulled pork is a great recipe to feed a crowd, but it also makes great leftovers.
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How long must you smoke a pork butt at 225 degrees F?
It depends on the size of your pork butt, your smoker and the weather. It also depends on weather or not you wrap it. If you follow my recipe and have a 6-7 pound pork butt and warm weather (-70 degrees F) it should take about 12 -14 hours.
What tools do you need to make the best pulled pork?
- Apple or hickory pellets (Or better yet, a mixture of both)
- Foil or butcher paper for wrapping, a foil pan is also handy
- A meat thermometer (you can use the one that came with your smoker if available)
- Silicone oven mitts for transferring your pork butt
Pulled pork ingredients:
- 6-7 pound pork shoulder roast (pork butt)
- 2-3 Tablespoons Traeger pork and poultry rub
- 1 cup apple juice
- 2-3 Tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
Pulled pork directions:
Trim your pork the night before you want to smoke it. Remove excess fat but it is not necessary to remove all of the fat since by the time the pulled pork is ready, the fat will be mostly gone and fat adds flavor.
Season your pork with Traeger Pork and Poultry rub. Place it in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning remove the pork from the refrigerator and preheat the Traeger to 225 degrees F. When the Traeger is preheated, place a meat thermometer in the pork and place it directly on the grate. Close the Traeger and monitor the temperature.
Once the thermometer reaches 160 degrees (~6 hours). It is ready to wrap.
For the wrapping stage, warm up the apple juice in the microwave so it is warmer than the pork. Remove the pork from the Traeger and place it in a foil pan. Alternatively, you can use butcher paper or just foil. Sprinkle on the dark brown sugar, drizzle with honey and add the warm apple juice to the pan. Cover the pan with foil, put the meat thermometer back in the meat. You can stick it right through the foil on top.
Continue to smoke for 6-8 more hours at 225 degrees F or until the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees F. Remove the pan from the Traeger and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before pulling it.
You can use 2 forks to pull the pork, but if you have room to store them these meat shredder claws will get the job done faster.
What is the best sauce to add to pulled pork?
I like to wait to add sauce to my pulled pork because it’s better to allow each guest to choose a sauce they prefer. It’s also better for leftovers. You can get more creative if you do not add the sauce. Try these amazing pulled pork street tacos!
Here are some great options:
Printable Pulled Pork Recipe
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