Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone smoked pork shoulder? Imagine the rich, smoky aroma filling your kitchen, the tender, juicy meat practically begging to be pulled apart. This recipe, designed for your electric smoker, makes that dream a reality. It’s a delicious, healthy meal perfect for a weekend feast or a weeknight celebration. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this easy-to-follow, foolproof recipe. This is one of the best recipes for succulent and flavorful pork you'll ever try.
Ingredients:
- One 8-10 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup apple juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Shoulder
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes a nice bark. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the mixture generously all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 2: Smoking the Pork Shoulder
Place the pork shoulder in your electric smoker. Maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F (107°C). Add the apple cider vinegar and apple juice to a pan and place it inside the smoker to help maintain moisture and add flavor.
Step 3: The Smoking Process
Smoke the pork shoulder for approximately 12-16 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (91°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the shoulder. Don't rush this process; low and slow is key to achieving that incredible tenderness.
Step 4: Resting and Shredding
Once the pork shoulder reaches 195°F (91°C), remove it from the smoker and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful pulled pork. After resting, use two forks to shred the pork.
Step 5: Serving
Serve your delicious smoked pork shoulder on buns with your favorite coleslaw and BBQ sauce. You can also enjoy it in tacos, burritos, or simply on its own. This makes for a fantastic quick dinner idea, and leftovers are even better!
Cooking Tips for Delicious Smoked Pork:
- Use a quality meat thermometer: Accurate temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked pork.
- Don't open the smoker too often: Every time you open the smoker, you lose heat and moisture.
- Adjust cooking time based on your smoker: Electric smokers vary slightly in temperature consistency.
- Experiment with different wood chips: Hickory, applewood, and pecan all pair well with pork.
Variations:
- Spicy Pork: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the rub for extra heat.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or molasses to the rub for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the rub for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This smoked pork shoulder recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll enjoy the ease and delicious results of this easy recipe. This is a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!