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

Are you craving a juicy, smoky pulled pork that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than your pellet grill! Here’s a comprehensive guide to smoking pulled pork on a pellet grill, ensuring a mouthwatering meal that will delight your family and friends.

Choosing the Perfect Cut of Pork

The first step to smoking pulled pork is selecting the right cut of meat. The ideal choice is a pork shoulder or butt, also known as a Boston butt. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which will render during the smoking process, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Preparing the Pork

Once you have your pork shoulder, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Trim any excess fat and remove the skin, if desired. Then, liberally season the pork with your favorite rub. You can use a store-bought rub or create your own blend of spices.

Setting Up Your Pellet Grill

Now it’s time to set up your pellet grill. Fill the hopper with high-quality pellets, such as hickory or applewood. Set the temperature to 225-250°F (107-121°C) and allow the grill to come up to temperature.

Smoking the Pork

Place the seasoned pork shoulder on the grill grate and close the lid. Smoke the pork for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will give the pork a smoky flavor and tender texture.

Wrapping and Resting

After the pork has reached 165°F (74°C), wrap it in butcher paper or aluminum foil. This will help the pork retain moisture and continue cooking. Place the wrapped pork back on the grill and continue smoking for another 2-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C).

Shredding and Saucing

Once the pork has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat. Shred the pork using two forks or a pair of meat claws.

Finally, it’s time to sauce the pork. You can use a store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. Brush or pour the sauce over the shredded pork and combine thoroughly.

Serving and Enjoying

Serve the pulled pork on sandwiches, tacos, or as a main course with your favorite sides. Enjoy the smoky flavor and tender texture of your homemade pulled pork, made possible by the magic of your pellet grill.

Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Don’t overcook the pork, as it will become dry and tough.
• If you don’t have butcher paper or aluminum foil, you can use a disposable baking pan to wrap the pork.
• Let the pork rest before shredding to prevent it from becoming stringy.
• Experiment with different rubs and sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.

Troubleshooting

• My pork is too dry. This can happen if the pork is overcooked or if it was not wrapped properly during the smoking process.
• My pork is too tough. This can happen if the pork is not cooked to the correct internal temperature or if it was not rested before shredding.
• My pork has a bitter taste. This can happen if the pellets used are not of good quality.

What You Need to Learn

Q: What is the best type of pellets to use for smoking pulled pork?
A: Hickory or applewood pellets are good choices for smoking pulled pork.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder on a pellet grill?
A: It typically takes 6-8 hours to smoke a pork shoulder on a pellet grill.

Q: What is the ideal internal temperature for pulled pork?
A: The ideal internal temperature for pulled pork is 203°F (95°C).

Q: Can I smoke pulled pork on a pellet grill in the rain?
A: Yes, you can smoke pulled pork on a pellet grill in the rain. However, you may need to adjust the temperature setting to account for the cooler conditions.

Q: What are some good sides to serve with pulled pork?
A: Good sides to serve with pulled pork include coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.