How To Smoke Pulled Pork On A Pellet Grill: A Step-by-step Guide

Smoking pulled pork on a pellet grill is an art form that can elevate your backyard grilling to new heights. With its smoky flavor and tender, juicy texture, pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for more.

Choosing the Right Cut

The key to great pulled pork lies in selecting the right cut of meat. The best choices are pork shoulder or pork butt, which have a high fat content that melts during cooking, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Seasoning the Pork

Once you have your pork, it’s time to give it a flavorful makeover. Create a dry rub using a blend of your favorite spices, such as paprika, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Smoking the Pork

Now comes the fun part: smoking the pork. Set your pellet grill to a temperature between 225-250°F. Place the pork on the grill and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Cook the pork for 8-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F.

Spritzing the Pork

During the smoking process, it’s important to keep the pork moist. Spritz it with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water every hour or so. This will help prevent the meat from drying out and create a delicious bark.

Wrapping the Pork

Once the pork has reached an internal temperature of 165-170°F, wrap it in butcher paper or aluminum foil. This will help the meat cook more evenly and retain its moisture. Continue cooking for another 2-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F.

Resting the Pork

After the pork is done cooking, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before pulling. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy pulled pork.

Pulling and Serving

Once the pork has rested, it’s time to pull it apart. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork

• Use a good quality pellet grill. This will ensure even cooking and a consistent smoke flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave plenty of space around the pork so it can cook evenly.
• Monitor the temperature closely. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the desired internal temperature.
• Don’t overcook the pork. Pulled pork should be tender and juicy, not dry and tough.
• Experiment with different rubs and sauces. There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring pulled pork. Try different combinations to find your favorites.

Answers to Your Questions

How long does it take to smoke pulled pork on a pellet grill?

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the temperature of the grill. Generally, it takes 8-12 hours to cook a 6-8 pound pork shoulder at 225-250°F.

What kind of pellets should I use?

For pulled pork, hickory or applewood pellets are a good choice. They will provide a rich, smoky flavor.

Can I cook pulled pork on a gas grill?

Yes, you can cook pulled pork on a gas grill. However, you will need to use a smoker box or a foil packet to create a smoky environment.