Craving tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork? Look no further! This smoked pulled pork recipe, perfectly crafted for your Traeger grill, delivers incredible flavor with surprisingly minimal effort. It's a fantastic option for a weekend feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or even impressive meal prep for the week ahead. Get ready to experience the magic of low-and-slow cooking with this easy-to-follow recipe. This is one of those delicious dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 5-6 lb pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
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 all the dry spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper).
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring even coverage. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Smoking the Pork:
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C). Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process for even smoking and optimal tenderness.
- Place the pork shoulder on the grill grates.
- Smoke for approximately 12-14 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F (91-93°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly tender pulled pork.
- During the last hour of smoking, create a pan by placing aluminum foil on your grill grates and pouring the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth into the foil. The liquids will help create moisture and add extra flavor to the pork.
Shredding and Serving:
- Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Traeger. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful pulled pork.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into manageable pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- You can mix some of the delicious pan juices from the foil with the shredded pork for extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve your smoked pulled pork on buns with your favorite coleslaw, BBQ sauce, or other toppings.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork:
- Use a quality meat thermometer: This is essential for ensuring the pork reaches the proper internal temperature.
- Don't open the Traeger too often: This can cause temperature fluctuations and affect the smoking process.
- Experiment with different wood chips: Hickory, mesquite, and apple wood chips all pair well with pork.
- Adjust the cooking time: Depending on the size of your pork shoulder and the ambient temperature, the cooking time might vary slightly.
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the rub.
- Sweet Pulled Pork: Increase the brown sugar in the rub or add a glaze during the last hour of smoking.
- Citrus Pulled Pork: Add some orange or lime zest to the rub for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas. Enjoy your homemade cooking! This is undoubtedly one of the best recipes you'll find for succulent, smoky pulled pork. The combination of flavors and the tender texture will have you hooked! It’s a truly satisfying and delicious meal that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.