Smoking a Pork Shoulder: Low and Slow for Legendary Flavor

When it comes to barbecue classics, few cuts deliver like a pork shoulder. Whether you're feeding a crowd or stocking up on pulled pork for the week, this cut is forgiving, flavorful, and made for the smoker. With your Smoke Wagon Grillz offset running steady, here’s how to turn a humble hunk of pork into a smoky masterpiece.

🧊 Step 1: Pick Your Pork

Start with a bone-in pork shoulder (also called Boston butt). Look for one in the 7–9 lb range with good marbling. The bone helps conduct heat and adds flavor during the cook.

🔪 Step 2: Trim and Prep

Trim off any loose fat or silver skin. Leave the fat cap intact — it’ll baste the meat as it smokes. Apply a binder like yellow mustard or olive oil to help the rub stick.

🧂 Step 3: Season Generously

Use a bold rub: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a touch of cayenne for kick. Coat all sides and let it rest while you fire up the pit.

🔥 Step 4: Fire Up the Smoker

Set your smoker to 250°F. Use hickory, oak, or apple wood for a balanced smoke profile. Your Smoke Wagon Grillz offset will hold temp like a champ — just keep an eye on airflow and fuel.

💨 Step 5: Smoke It Low and Slow

Place the pork shoulder fat-side up. Smoke until it hits an internal temp of 160–165°F — usually 5–6 hours. Spritz every hour with apple juice or cider vinegar to keep the bark moist.

📦 Step 6: Wrap and Finish

Wrap the shoulder in foil or butcher paper and return it to the smoker. Cook until the internal temp reaches 195–205°F and the probe slides in like butter — usually another 3–4 hours.

⏳ Step 7: Rest and Shred

Let the pork rest for at least 1 hour, still wrapped. Then shred with gloved hands or meat claws. Mix in some of the juices for extra flavor and moisture.

🍽️ Step 8: Serve It Up

Pile it high on buns, tacos, nachos, or straight off the tray. Add slaw, pickles, and your favorite sauce. You earned this.

💬 Final Thoughts

Smoking a pork shoulder is a rite of passage for any pitmaster. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and perfect for showcasing your smoker’s performance. With Smoke Wagon Grillz gear and a little patience, you’ll turn heads at every cookout.