Best 2 Barbecue Pork Butt Recipes

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When it comes to succulent and flavorful barbecue, the pork butt reigns supreme. This versatile and affordable cut of meat, also known as pork shoulder or Boston butt, transforms into a tender and juicy masterpiece when cooked low and slow. Whether you prefer a smoky, tangy, or sweet and spicy flavor profile, there's a barbecue pork butt recipe out there to tantalize your taste buds. With careful preparation and the right cooking technique, you can achieve mouthwatering results that will have your friends and family clamoring for more. So, fire up your grill, smoker, or slow cooker and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a barbecue pork butt that's nothing short of exceptional.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AWARD WINNING COMPETITION BARBECUE PORK BUTT RECIPE



Award Winning Competition Barbecue Pork Butt Recipe image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 7h15m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 43

One 8-pound pork butt
Brine, recipe follows
Garlicky Marinade, recipe follows
Dry Rub, recipe follows
Cider Mop Spray, recipe follows
Barbeque Sauce, recipe follows
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sweet paprika
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup dry mustard
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons crab boil seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup apple juice
1 cup water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup smoked bacon, cut into rectangles about 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide
1/2 cup sweet (Vidalia or Maui) onion, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup tomato ketchup
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup apple juice
Cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat a charcoal grill to 225 degrees F. Carefully edge the coals to 1 side and then add 1/2 cup drained wood chips. Place 1 cup of water in metal drip pan on opposite side.
  • Inject the pork butt with brine about every 2-inches and then rub with marinade and dust with Dry Rub. Place the pork on the grill, directly over the drip pan and cook. Be sure to replenish the coals as the temperatures drops, the chips as the smoke dissipates and the water in the drip pan.
  • After 6 hours, spray the pork with Cider Mop every half hour. Cook until a thermometer placed into the thickest part of pork reaches 195 degrees F. Transfer to a platter, brush with the sauce and let rest 30 minutes. To serve, slice into 1/2-pound servings, place on plates and serve with extra sauce alongside.
  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl until the salt and sugar dissolve and then place into meat syringe for immediate brining or reserve, refrigerated, for later use.
  • Place all ingredients into a blender and puree. Remove to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until needed.
  • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well and store in an air tight container for later use.
  • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well to combine and store in the refrigerator until needed.
  • Heat the oil in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the onion, garlic, onion power, garlic powder, black pepper, and cloves. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and water and then bring to a simmer. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, honey, preserves and juice and then simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and season with the vinegar. Remove the bacon with a spider and discard. Puree the mixture with a hand blender and then cool and reserve for later use.

BARBECUE PORK BUTT



Barbecue Pork Butt image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 17h20m

Yield 4 to 6 pounds pulled pork

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 quarts water
12 ounces kosher salt
8 ounces molasses
8 to 10 pound boneless pork butt
Special equipment: Smoker and 4 ounces hickory or oak wood chunks

Steps:

  • Place the water, salt and molasses in a large 12-quart container and stir until the salt dissolves. Add the pork butt to the brine and weigh down with a zip top bag filled with 2 cups of the brine to make sure it is completely submerged in the brine.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove the pork from the brine, and pat dry.
  • Heat the smoker to 225 degrees F. Add the wood chunks, and place the pork into the smoker. Cook until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F, 4 to 5 hours.
  • Once the meat reaches 140 degrees F, heat the oven to 300 degrees F. Wrap the pork in aluminum foil and transfer to a half sheet pan. Place on the center rack and cook until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 200 degrees F and is tender and pulling apart easily, 3 to 5 hours. Remove from the oven and rest, covered for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of meat:Pork butt is the ideal cut for pulled pork because it is well-marbled and has a lot of connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking and creates a tender, juicy texture.
  • Use a good rub:The rub is what gives pulled pork its flavor, so it's important to use a good one. There are many different recipes for pulled pork rub, so experiment until you find one that you like.
  • Cook the pork low and slow:Pulled pork is best cooked low and slow, over a period of several hours. This allows the connective tissue to break down and the flavors of the rub to penetrate the meat.
  • Use a good smoker:A good smoker will help you achieve the perfect smoky flavor for your pulled pork. If you don't have a smoker, you can also cook pulled pork in a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
  • Let the pork rest before shredding:Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Pulled pork is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served as a sandwich, on tacos, or even as a main course. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make delicious pulled pork at home. So fire up your smoker and get started!

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