Best Pork For Smoking Pulled Pork (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for the perfect meat for smoking pulled pork, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which is the best pork to use. There are many factors to consider before making your decision.
Firstly, you need to consider the thickness of the meat. A pork shoulder that is between 8-10 pounds is great for smoking. The ideal temperature should be around 225°F to 250°F for about 1 1/2 hours per pound of meat. Secondly, you want to make sure that the meat has enough marbling. This is important because it helps to keep the meat tender and juicy throughout the slow cooking process. Lastly, you want to consider the quality of the meat. Look for meat that is hormone-free and raised on a natural diet.
Are you looking to up your pulled pork game? Are you wondering which cut of pork to use for delicious, tender smoked pulled pork that everyone will rave about? Look no further than this article! Have you ever considered the thickness, marbling, and quality of your meat before smoking it? These factors are crucial to making sure that your pulled pork is the best it can be. Keep reading for some expert tips on how to choose the best pork for your next smoking adventure.
10 Best Pork For Smoking Pulled Pork
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This product is ideal for adding flavor to BBQ meats such as beef, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken.
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It is ideal for seasoning and grilling meats like beef, pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs without MSG and gluten.
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It's ideal for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of grilled or smoked meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and ribs.
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This product is ideal for individuals who want a convenient, delicious, and preservative-free option for their shredded pork needs.
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Ideal for seasoning and adding flavor to chicken, BBQ meat, hamburgers, pulled pork, ribs, and steaks.
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Miners Mix BBQ dry rub is ideal for smoking and seasoning spare ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and beef.
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Ideal for achieving exceptional flavor and tenderness in pulled pork recipes.
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The product is ideal for a quick and easy meal without sacrificing quality taste, using premium ingredients.
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This product is ideal for backpacking, camping, snacking, and adding protein to your diet without excess sugar or gluten.
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This product is ideal for seasoning and grilling meats such as ribs, pulled pork, pork chops, chicken, fish, and turkey.
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1. Swine Spice: Bold & Gluten-Free Bbq Rub
Flying Swine Seasonings has created award-winning BBQ rubs and seasonings, including their Sweet N Spicy dry rub, which is perfect for those who love a blend of sweet and spicy flavors with a little kick in every bite. All of their seasonings are gluten-free and contain zero MSG.
Transform your BBQ experience with this Sweet N Spicy barbecue rub, which contains a unique blend of brown sugar, dry honey, and habanero for a hot and sweet meat rub. This grill seasoning is easy to use and can be applied directly out of the bag. Alternatively, mix the dry rub seasoning with water to create an injection, marinade, or brine to enhance the flavor of your meat. Each bag can generously season up to 3 chickens, 3 slabs of ribs, 2 briskets, 1 pork shoulder, 3 legs of lamb, or 1 whole prime rib.
Flying Swine Rub's unique blend of spices and seasonings can be used for grilling, smoking, marinades, and more. Enjoy it on various meats such as pork belly, pork butts, chicken breasts, turkey, pork, or brisket. This versatile BBQ rub will elevate the flavor of your meats and make every bite a delicious experience.
Looking for a perfect gift for the meat lover, grill master, smoker, or home chef in your life? Look no further than Flying Swine Rub! Their BBQ rubs and spices for smoking make great gifts for any occasion, including Christmas, Father's Day, or a birthday. Anyone who enjoys cooking will appreciate the high-quality and flavorful ingredients in Flying Swine Seasonings' products.
2. Swine & Apple Bbq Rub: Butt-Smoking Goodness.
Flying Swine Seasonings has expertly crafted a line of BBQ rubs and seasonings that have been recognized with a National Barbecue Association Award. Their Sweet Apple Bourbon BBQ Rub is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. The rub features the delectable taste of sweet apples with a hint of bourbon that adds depth to the flavor profile.
This versatile seasoning can be used on any meat or vegetable, making it a go-to for any BBQ enthusiast. Whether you're grilling up some chicken, pork, or beef, the Sweet Apple Bourbon BBQ Rub is sure to elevate the flavors of your dish. It's also great for seasoning veggies like corn on the cob or sweet potatoes for a delicious and healthy side dish.
The Sweet Apple Bourbon BBQ Rub is made with high-quality ingredients and carefully blended to create the perfect balance of flavors. It's easy to use, simply rub it onto your meat or veggies before grilling or roasting for a mouth-watering meal that everyone will love. The rub comes in a convenient jar that keeps it fresh and makes it easy to store in your pantry or BBQ kit.
If you're looking for a BBQ seasoning that delivers on taste and quality, look no further than Flying Swine Seasonings' Sweet Apple Bourbon BBQ Rub. With its award-winning flavor and versatility, it's a must-have for any BBQ season. Order your jar today and experience the mouth-watering taste of Flying Swine Seasonings' Sweet Apple Bourbon BBQ Rub for yourself!
3. Swine's Smoky Bbq Rub: Grill With Flavor!
Flying Swine Seasonings, an award-winning company certified by the National Barbecue Association, has created a line-up of BBQ rubs and seasonings that will transform your grilling experience. Their tomato-based butt rub, with its tangy, smokey, and sweet flavor, is sure to tantalize your taste buds. All of their seasonings are gluten-free and contain zero MSG.
With Flying Swine's Sweet N' Smoky Seasoning, you can now enjoy the taste of Kansas City-style rubs in the comfort of your own home. This versatile dry rub seasoning can be used for grilling, baking, or smoking your favorite meats, and is even great on grilled veggies. The seasoning is easy to use, and can be applied straight out of the bag. For a more intense flavor, you can mix the seasoning with water to create an injection, marinade, or brine that will truly bring out the best in your meat. One bag of Flying Swine's seasoning can season up to 3 chickens, 3 slabs of ribs, 2 briskets, 1 pork shoulder, 3 leg of lamb, or 1 whole prime rib.
Flying Swine's unique blend of spices and seasonings can be used for a variety of foods, including pork belly, pork butts, chicken breasts, turkey, pork, or brisket. Whether you are grilling, smoking, or using marinades, their BBQ rubs and seasonings always deliver great results.
Looking for a great gift for the meat lover, grill master, smoker, or home chef in your life? Flying Swine Rubs make the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cooking. Whether it's for Christmas, Father's Day, or a Birthday, these barbecue seasonings are sure to please. With Flying Swine Seasonings, you'll be able to take your grilling game to the next level and enjoy delicious, mouth-watering food every time.
4. Chata's Ready-To-Eat Chili Pork Pouch
The Chata Pork Chilorio is a delicious and authentic Mexican food that is perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional flavors right in the comfort of their own home. Each order comes with 12 packs, each weighing 8.8 ounces, making it a great value for the price.
Chata takes pride in using only the safest processes and high-quality ingredients to ensure that their food is healthy and flavorful. The Pork Chilorio is made of 100% pork meat, with no preservatives added, making it a healthier option compared to other meal choices.
The convenience of Chata's Pork Chilorio cannot be overstated. It is packaged in an easy-to-use format that is practical to cook, and shelf stable. No refrigeration is required, making it a great option for those who want to stock up on delicious food without worrying about spoilage or waste.
The Chata Pork Chilorio is made with only the highest quality ingredients. The authentic pork meat is mixed with apple cider vinegar, mixed chili peppers, salt, garlic and spices, creating a perfect filling for tacos, enchiladas, or even quesadillas. With Chata, you can be sure that you are getting the best quality and flavor in every bite.
5. Applewood Bbq Spice – Grill Perfection In A Jar
Looking for a gourmet BBQ rub that has the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors? Look no further than Wayward Gourmet's all-natural BBQ rub spices. This high-quality rub is the perfect addition to any backyard BBQ, and it's made with only the best, all-natural ingredients.
Wayward Gourmet takes pride in keeping their BBQ rub simple and natural. They only use the best natural BBQ seasoning ingredients, with no added fillers or additives. You won't find any MSG or gluten in this spicy, sweet BBQ rub, so you can rub your meat the right way with confidence.
This BBQ rub is perfect for any cowboy or cowgirl who wants to add some serious flavor to their favorite BBQ foods. Whether you're grilling up a juicy steak or a rack of ribs, adding Wayward Gourmet's smokey apple BBQ rub will take your meal to the next level. It hits all the right notes with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Each jar of Wayward Gourmet's BBQ steak rub is handmade in the USA, specifically in the Palmetto State of South Carolina. This ensures that each jar is made with the care and attention to detail that only comes with handcrafted products. When it comes to finding the best BBQ rub on the market, you won't find anything better than Wayward Gourmet's all-natural BBQ rub spices.
6. Bold Memphis Bbq Rub For Slow Smoking.
Experience the authentic taste of natural ingredients with this dry rub from Miners Mix. Made with real herbs and spices, this rub is free from any flavor enhancers, artificial flavors or colors, preservatives, soy, wheat, and any ingredient over 3 syllables. With Miners Mix, you can be sure that you are getting only the best quality ingredients for your meals.
Compared to its top competitors, Miners Mix boasts a low sodium level of only 62 mg per serving, making it a healthier option for your diet. This dry rub is a little less sweet than the Kansas Sweety Rub, but still contains a generous amount of brown sugar. It is best used for low heat indirect smoking as the rub may burn if exposed to high heat.
Miners Mix is proudly made in the USA, with an uncompromising commitment to quality. It is a small family-owned business located near Yosemite National Park in Central California. With every purchase, you are supporting a local business that takes pride in providing their customers with the best quality products.
7. Bbq Pit Stop Pork Star Pork Rub – Exceptional Pulled Pork – 12.6 Ounce
Introducing the Pork Star Pork Rub – a versatile and flavorful addition to your BBQ arsenal. This rub is not just limited to pork, it can also be used on chicken, beef, and lamb for an outstanding BBQ experience.
The 12.6 ounces of deep flavor in this rub comes from the perfect combination of brown sugar, chili pepper, garlic, and onion – making it a tantalizing addition to any meat dish.
You can rest easy knowing that this rub is all natural, with 0 calories and 0 grams of fat per serving. As always, Pork Star Pork Rub is gluten and MSG free, making it a safe and healthy option for all.
Using this champion of BBQ rubs is a breeze – simply sprinkle, rub, and smoke for a mouth-watering meal. It doesn't get any easier than that!
The flavor profile of this rub can be described as sweet with a kick of heat, or heat with a kick of sweet – just like your last girlfriend. But don't worry, this rub won't break your heart like she did.
8. Bbq Pork Sandwiches With Caramelized Onion & Cheese
Experience the authentic taste of Memphis-style barbeque with the Pre-Packaged Pulled Pork Sandwich. Made from high-quality pork that is slowly cooked for hours with pecan wood in a smoker, this sandwich has a tender and smoky flavor with a pull-apart texture. Hand-pulled and slathered in BBQ sauce, it is nested in a premium bun and topped with sweet and savory caramelized onions and a mix of Monterey Jack and Asadero Cheese.
This fully assembled sandwich is ready to heat and eat in just a few minutes. No need to spend hours slow-cooking the pork, sautéing the onions, or adding the right amount of BBQ sauce and cheese. The Grumpy Butcher has done all the work for you. Simply pull out the frozen sandwich package from your freezer and microwave it for about 70 seconds. You will be blown away by the delicious and tasty barbeque pulled pork sandwich.
If you're feeling adventurous, pair up the Pre-Packaged Pulled Pork Sandwich with a variety of our other sandwiches, such as the classic Coney Island Chili Cheese Hot Dogs, authentic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, or time-tested Pulled Chicken Sandwiches. All are pre-packaged and ready to heat and eat.
The BBQ pork sandwich is assembled in a microwaveable bag for convenient heating. The Grumpy Butcher ensures top-quality care and consistency in the preparation method of our frozen sandwiches, which makes it easy for you to enjoy them with whatever is accessible to you. Just toss it in the microwave, and you're good to go!
The Grumpy Butcher provides high-quality poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and broths from animals born and humanely raised on independent family-owned farms. All of our livestock are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Plus, we usually process and ship your order the same day to ensure that you receive it in 1-2 days and in the best condition possible.
9. Protein-Packed Backpacking Bacon Shredz
Introducing Meat Shredz premium dried pulled pork, the perfect snack for health-conscious individuals who want to have a tasty and high-protein snack on-the-go. The package includes 6 pouches of pulled pork, 2 pouches each of the Black Pepper Sage, Carolina BBQ, and Sriracha flavors.
The pulled pork is made with real meat and infused with aromatic spices after being slow-cooked and dehydrated to retain its natural texture and taste. Unlike typical jerky, Meat Shredz pulled pork is incredibly tender, eliminating the need for excessive chewing that can cause jaw pains.
This versatile snack can be used as a meat topping for various dishes such as ramen, soup, and salad, and with just the right amount of moisture, it transforms into a pulled pork texture in seconds. Additionally, Meat Shredz is a healthier alternative to canned meat and bacon, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Meat Shredz takes pride in using only natural ingredients, making it gluten-free and free from preservatives, MSG, and artificial flavors. This snack is slowly dehydrated, ensuring that it retains its natural taste and texture that can last up to a year without compromising its quality.
The product has been tried, tested, and recommended by fitness and health bloggers, influencers, columnists, and even Backpacker Magazine, who awarded Meat Shredz their “Essential Backpacking Food” seal of approval.
Meat Shredz premium dried pulled pork is handcrafted in small batches and packaged in a compact, resealable pouch that weighs only 2.2 ounces, making it convenient for backpackers, campers, hikers, athletes, and anyone who wants a healthy snack on-the-go.
10. Dalmatian Bbq Spice – 13oz Meat Seasoning
Looking to elevate your BBQ game? Look no further than these award-winning BBQ rubs, perfect for grilling and smoking. Formulated over years of testing and development, these seasonings produce a flavorful bark on a variety of meats, including steak, brisket, chicken, prime rib, pork chops, beef ribs, pork ribs, and more.
It's no wonder these BBQ rubs have been recognized by Texas Monthly, Cooking Channel's "Man Fire Food," The Smoke Sheet, Dallas Observer, and numerous magazines. Plus, they've won numerous BBQ championship awards.
What sets these rubs apart? Innovative ingredients such as Tellicherry pepper, sea salts, chilis, and different paprikas. These are not your average rubs with average ingredients. They're formulated to take your BBQ and cooking game to the next level.
And, you can trust that these rubs are made in the USA with quality and a great reputation. They're even used in restaurants throughout Texas BBQ to make some of the best barbecue around.
Best of all, these BBQ shakers are free from junk and fillers. There's no MSG, no fillers, and no crap in these rubs. Just pure, flavorful seasonings that will take your BBQ to the next level.
Best Pork For Smoking Pulled Pork FAQs
Can I smoke a frozen pork butt for pulled pork?
No, it is not recommended to smoke a frozen pork butt for pulled pork. Smoking frozen meat can result in uneven cooking and potentially harmful bacteria growth. It is important to thaw the meat completely before smoking to ensure even cooking and to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
To thaw a pork butt safely, place it in the refrigerator on a tray or plate to catch any drips. Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of meat to thaw completely. Once the pork butt is fully thawed, you can season it and smoke it according to your preferred method and recipe. This will result in a delicious and safe pulled pork that is tender and full of flavor.
How long should I smoke the pork for pulled pork?
To smoke pork for pulled pork, you should smoke it low and slow for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C). The actual smoking time will depend on the size of the pork shoulder or butt, as well as the temperature at which you're smoking it. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to smoke the pork for about 1 to 1.5 hours per pound of meat at a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C).
It is important to note that smoking meat is a slow and steady process that requires patience. Rushing the process may result in tough meat that is difficult to shred. It is also important to monitor the temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer, as overcooking or undercooking can affect the texture and flavor of the pulled pork.
Once the pork reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and wrap it in foil or butcher paper to rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender and flavorful. After resting, shred the pork using two forks and serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or toppings.
How much fat should the pork have for smoking pulled pork?
When it comes to smoking pulled pork, you want to choose a cut of pork that has a good amount of fat content. Ideally, you want to choose a pork shoulder or pork butt that has a fat content of around 20-30%. This fat will help to keep the pork moist and tender as it smokes, and will also add flavor to the final product.
However, it's important to note that too much fat can also be a bad thing. If your pork has too much fat, it can become greasy and unappetizing. Additionally, excessive fat can cause flare-ups in the smoker, which can lead to uneven cooking and burnt spots on the meat.
In summary, aim for a pork shoulder or pork butt with a fat content of around 20-30%. This will give you the perfect balance of moisture, tenderness, and flavor without going overboard on the fat.
Is a dry rub necessary for smoking pulled pork?
While a dry rub is not absolutely necessary for smoking pulled pork, it is highly recommended. A dry rub is a combination of herbs, spices, and other seasonings that are applied to the surface of the meat before it is cooked. It helps to enhance the flavor of the meat, creating a delicious crust that is packed with flavor. Additionally, a dry rub can help to tenderize the meat, making it more juicy and tender.
There are many different recipes for dry rubs, and the specific ingredients used can vary depending on personal preference. Some common ingredients include brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder. The rub is typically applied to the meat several hours before it is cooked, allowing the flavors to penetrate into the meat.
Overall, while a dry rub is not strictly necessary for smoking pulled pork, it is highly recommended if you want to achieve the best flavor and texture possible.
Should I use bone-in or boneless pork for smoking pulled pork?
Both bone-in and boneless pork can be used for smoking pulled pork, but there are some differences to consider when making your choice.
Bone-in pork is generally considered to have more flavor and moisture than boneless pork, as the bone helps to retain moisture during cooking and adds flavor to the meat. It also tends to cook more evenly, as the bone acts as a conductor of heat.
On the other hand, boneless pork can be easier to work with, as it is easier to trim and can be sliced or chopped more easily after cooking. It also tends to cook faster than bone-in pork.
Ultimately, the choice between bone-in and boneless pork for smoking pulled pork will depend on your personal preferences and cooking style. If you prioritize flavor and don't mind a slightly longer cooking time, bone-in pork may be the way to go. If you value convenience and ease of preparation, boneless pork may be a better choice.
Should I use wood chips or chunks for smoking pulled pork?
Both wood chips and wood chunks can be used for smoking pulled pork, but the choice depends on personal preference and the type of smoker you are using.
Wood chips are smaller and burn faster, producing a more intense smoke flavor. They are ideal for shorter cooking times, such as grilling or smoking small cuts of meat. If you are using a gas or electric smoker, wood chips are a good choice as they produce smoke quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, wood chunks are larger and burn slower, producing a milder smoke flavor. They are better suited for longer cooking times, such as smoking large cuts of meat like pork shoulder or brisket. If you are using a charcoal or wood smoker, wood chunks are recommended as they burn more slowly and produce smoke for a longer period of time.
Ultimately, the choice of wood chips or chunks comes down to personal preference and the type of smoker you are using. Experiment with both and see which produces the flavor and smoke profile you prefer.
Should I wrap the pork in foil during the smoking process for pulled pork?
Wrapping the pork in foil during the smoking process for pulled pork is a technique known as the "Texas Crutch." It can help to speed up the cooking process and keep the meat moist and tender. However, it is not necessary and some people prefer not to use this method.
If you choose to wrap the pork in foil, it is recommended to do so once the meat has reached an internal temperature of around 160°F. This will ensure that the meat has absorbed enough smoke flavor before being wrapped. You can add some liquid, such as apple juice or beer, to the foil packet to create a steamy environment and help tenderize the meat.
Keep in mind that wrapping the pork in foil will also soften the bark or crust that forms on the outside of the meat, so if you prefer a firmer texture, it's best to skip this step. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and experimentation to find the method that works best for you and your equipment.
What is the best cut of pork for smoking pulled pork?
The best cut of pork for smoking pulled pork is the pork shoulder or pork butt. This cut of meat has a good amount of fat and marbling, which keeps the meat moist and tender during the long smoking process. The pork shoulder or pork butt also has a rich, meaty flavor that is perfect for pulled pork. When selecting a pork shoulder, try to choose one with a thick layer of fat on one side, as this will help keep the meat moist and add flavor during smoking. It's important to trim any excess fat and remove the skin before smoking. The pork shoulder should be cooked low and slow at a temperature of about 225-250°F for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F. Once cooked, the meat should be allowed to rest for at least 30 minutes before pulling it apart with a fork or meat claws.
What is the difference between pork shoulder and pork butt for pulled pork?
Despite their names, pork shoulder and pork butt refer to the same cut of meat, but they come from different parts of the pig. The pork shoulder is the upper part of the pig's front leg, whereas pork butt is the upper part of the pig's shoulder.
The main difference between the two cuts is the amount of fat and connective tissue they contain. Pork butt has more fat than pork shoulder, which makes it ideal for slow cooking methods like smoking or braising. The extra fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks, and it also adds flavor.
Pork shoulder, on the other hand, has less fat and more connective tissue. While it can also be used for pulled pork, it may require a longer cooking time to become tender. However, pork shoulder is often less expensive than pork butt, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to make pulled pork at home.
Ultimately, both cuts can be used to make delicious pulled pork, but the choice between them comes down to personal preference and cooking method.
What temperature should I smoke the pork at for pulled pork?
When it comes to smoking pork for pulled pork, the ideal temperature to aim for is between 225-250°F (107-121°C). This low and slow cooking method allows the pork to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that falls apart easily.
It's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the pork, so you'll want to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 195°F (90°C) before removing it from the smoker. This temperature ensures that the connective tissues have broken down sufficiently, making the pork tender and easy to pull apart.
Also, keep in mind that the type of wood you use for smoking can also impact the flavor of your pulled pork. Popular options include hickory, apple, and cherry wood, but you can experiment with different woods to find the flavor that suits your taste buds.
