Perfect Pulled Pork: A Beginner's Guide

Today, we're diving into the delicious world of pulled pork, a classic dish that's sure to impress at any gathering. With our All Ration BBQ rub, you'll achieve tender, flavorful pulled pork that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just by itself. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 pork shoulder (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup All Ration BBQ rub
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp mustard

Equipment:

• Smoker or grill (set up for indirect cooking)
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• Trim the Pork Shoulder: Remove any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the All Ration and brown sugar. In a separate dish, mix together the mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
• Apply the Rub: Generously coat the pork shoulder the mustard mix then coat with the All Ration BBQ rub mix. Make sure to massage the rub into the meat for maximum flavor.
• Wrap and Rest: Wrap the seasoned pork shoulder in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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2. Setting Up the Smoker:

• Preheat: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. If using a grill, set it up for indirect cooking and maintain the same temperature.
• Choose Your Wood: Use hickory, apple, or oak wood chips for smoking. Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.

3. Cooking:

• Start Smoking: Place the pork shoulder on the smoker grate, fat side up. Close the lid and let it smoke.
• Spritzing: Mix the apple cider vinegar and apple juice in a spray bottle. Every hour, spritz the pork shoulder to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Internal Temperature: Smoke the pork shoulder until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will take about 6-7 hours.
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4. Wrapping and Finishing:

• Wrap in Foil: Once the pork reaches 165°F, remove it from the smoker and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. This helps to speed up the cooking process and retain moisture.
• Return to Smoker: Place the wrapped pork back in the smoker and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F. This will take an additional 2-3 hours.

5. Resting and Pulling:

• Rest: Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and let it rest, wrapped in foil, for at least 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
• Pull the Pork: After resting, unwrap the pork shoulder and use two forks to shred the meat. Discard any large pieces of fat.

6. Serving:

• Mix and Serve: In a large bowl, mix the pulled pork with any juices collected in the foil. Add a touch of All Ration BBQ rub for an extra kick of flavor.
• Enjoy: Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw, in tacos, or as a standalone dish. Pair with your favorite BBQ sauce for an added layer of deliciousness.

Tips for Success:

• Consistent Temperature: Maintaining a consistent temperature in your smoker is key to achieving perfectly smoked pulled pork.
• Patience: Smoking meat is a low-and-slow process. Patience will reward you with incredibly tender and flavorful results.
• Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different wood chips and spritzing liquids to find your perfect flavor combination.

We hope you enjoy making and eating this perfect pulled pork as much as we do. Don't forget to share your BBQ creations with us on social media using the hashtag #AllRationBBQ. Happy grilling!

Shop Now: Purchase All Ration BBQ Rub and take your BBQ to the next level!

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