There's something magical about the intoxicating aroma of smoky BBQ wafting through the air on a sunny afternoon. Barbecue is an art form that brings people together, and few dishes capture its essence as perfectly as tender and succulent pulled pork. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of BBQ and share with you a delectable recipe for pulled pork cooked to perfection on a Traeger grill.
The Traeger Grill: A BBQ Enthusiast's Dream:
Before we jump into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the star of the show: the Traeger grill. Renowned for its versatility and unmatched flavor, Traeger grills use hardwood pellets to infuse your meat with smoky goodness. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard BBQ enthusiast, the Traeger grill is a must-have tool in your culinary arsenal.
Selecting the Perfect Cut of Pork:
When it comes to pulled pork, the ideal cut of meat is typically a pork shoulder or Boston butt. These cuts are well-marbled and contain enough fat to ensure moist and tender results. Aim for a 6-8 pound (2.7-3.6 kg) cut, which will yield plenty of delicious pulled pork for a crowd.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pulled Pork:
To create an unforgettable pulled pork experience, gather the following ingredients:
1 pork shoulder or Boston butt (6-8 pounds / 2.7-3.6 kg)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
1 cup apple juice or apple cider
1 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)
Buns or rolls, for serving
Preparing the Pulled Pork:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This will be your dry rub.
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then generously coat it with the dry rub, ensuring every inch of the meat is covered. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Traeger Grill Setup:
Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) using hardwood pellets of your choice. The mild and sweet flavors of apple, cherry, or hickory pair beautifully with pork.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder directly on the grill grate and close the lid. Let it cook low and slow, allowing the smoke to work its magic for several hours.
Smoking and Cooking Time:
Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time per pound of pork. The total cook time will vary depending on the size and consistency of the meat. This slow-cooking process allows the pork to develop a rich, smoky flavor while becoming tender and easy to pull apart.
Monitoring and Basting:
Throughout the cooking process, check the temperature of the pork using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach around 195-203°F (90-95°C) for the perfect tenderness.
After the first 3-4 hours, baste the pork shoulder with apple juice or apple cider every hour. This helps keep the meat moist and enhances the flavor.
The Perfect Finish:
Once the pork reaches the desired temperature and is tender enough to shred with a fork, carefully remove it from the grill. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Using two forks, shred the pork into succulent, bite-sized pieces. For added flavor, mix in some of the remaining dry rub or your favorite BBQ sauce.
Serving and Enjoying:
Serve the pulled pork on buns or rolls, topped with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Accompany it with your favorite sides like coleslaw, pickles, or cornbread for a classic BBQ feast.
The slow-cooked, smoky tenderness of the pork combined with the explosion of flavors from the dry rub will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. So, gather your loved ones, fire up your Traeger grill, and savor the joy of sharing this mouthwatering BBQ masterpiece.
Comments