4.7 from 57 votes
Smoked Pork Shoulder
When slow-smoking a pork shoulder, you should figure 1 1/2 hours per pound of pork. A 10-pound, bone-in pork shoulder takes a long time to cook, but for the majority of that time it is in the smoker. You can get it started right after breakfast and have it ready in time for dinner.
Prep Time
1 hr 15 mins
Cook Time
13 hrs
Total Time
22 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 757 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For the smoked pork shoulder rub
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground sage
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the pork shoulder
- One (8-to 10-pound) bone-in pork shoulder (may also be labeled pork butt or Boston butt)
- Vinegar Barbecue Sauce (optional)
Instructions
Make the dry rub
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients.
- Rub the spice mixture thoroughly over the pork shoulder. Wrap the pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
Cup of Yum
Smoke the pork shoulder
- About 1 hour before smoking the pork, unwrap the pork shoulder and let it rest at room temperature.
- Heat your smoker to 225°F (105°C). This may require several additions of water-soaked wood to keep the smoke going.
- When the temperature of the smoker has reached a constant 225°F (105°C), place the pork shoulder, fatty side up, on the rack. Close the lid and adjust the vents so the smoke flows freely throughout the smoker.
- Cook until the meat is exceptionally and sigh-inducingly tender and reaches an internal temperature of 185° to 195°F (85° to 90°C), somewhere between 10 to 14 hours or about 1 1/2 hours per pound of meat. Let the meat rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice, pull, or chop the pork. Demolish it immediately, doused with Vinegar Barbecue Sauce, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1portion
Calories
757kcal
(38%)
Carbohydrates
8g
(3%)
Protein
129g
(258%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
340mg
(113%)
Sodium
1150mg
(48%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 757
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 757kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 129g | 258% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 340mg | 113% |
| Sodium | 1150mg | 48% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.