Wondering how long it takes to cook pork butt? If you’re planning for a cookout or family dinner, you don’t want to make your guests wait for the pork to be done! You need to allow two hours per pound at 225°F.
If you have promised something delicious, like pulled pork tacos or sliders, make sure you plan out your timings. Below, you will find out exactly when to put your pork on the smoker so you don’t have a mutiny of hungry guests!
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How Long Does It Take To Smoke Pork Butt?
With your smoker running at 225°F, it will take 2 hours of cooking per pound of pork. This changes based on the size of the pork butt, if the cooking temperature is consistent, and if the meat is bone-in or not.
But you need to measure, more importantly, the internal temperature. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F before it is pulled from the heat. However, if you are making pulled pork, you want it to reach 204°F before you pull it from the smoker. This will ensure that all the connective tissue has broken down.
A 6-pound pork butt will take about 10-12 hours to cook; that is because we estimate two hours per pound of meat at 225°F.
A 5-pound pork butt will take about 9-10 hours to cook; that is because we estimate two hours per pound of meat at 225°F.
The important thing is to cook to the correct internal temperature than time.
What Temperature Is Best For Smoking Pork Butt?
Smoke pork at a low temperature, between 200°F and 250°F. Cooking low and slow will allow the connective tissue to break down, which makes the meat flavorful and juicy.
This will also allow the smoky flavor to permeate the pork, making it scrumptious. The lower the smoker’s temperature, the longer the cooking time. Consider this when planning your cookout.
What Internal Temperature Do You Need to Reach For Pork?
Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F before its pulled from the heat. Be sure to put the meat thermometer in the thickest portion of the meat. If the meat has a bone in it, don’t let the thermometer touch the bone, as this could result in an inaccurate reading.
Use a temperature probe to monitor the temperature while it cooks.
If you are making pulled pork, you want it to reach 204°F before you pull it from the smoker. This will ensure that all the connective tissue has broken down.
My Favorite Pork Butt Recipes
My favorite thing to do with pork butt is cook it low and slow and then shred it, to make pulled pork.
Smoked Cuban Sandwich with Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork Recipe for a Weber Grill
Pork Butt Smoked on an Electric Smoker
How Much Pork Per Person?
Buy half a pound of pork per person. If you have a lot of side dishes or other meats, you could buy 1/3 pound per person.
When cooked, pork will lose about 30% of its weight. This is why you should always buy more pork than you need.
What Is Pork Butt?
Pork butt is a popular cut of meat. It comes from the upper portion of the shoulder of the pig. It is usually sold boneless and is great for making pulled pork or carnitas.
Some people call it Boston butt or pork shoulder. Either way, smoking it in a wood pellet smoker is delicious!
It’s pretty easy to keep the meat moist, which is why so many people like it. This is because of the fat content.
How To Smoke Pork Butt?
First, trim and season the pork. We recommend using a dry rub with simple ingredients.
Keeping it simple with kosher salt and black pepper is a good choice. Some people like to add brown sugar, yellow mustard, and other savory flavors.
Then, put the pork butt on the preheated pellet grill fat side down. Spritz the meat with a cup of apple juice or apple cider vinegar, or use any liquid of your choice.
Once the meat reaches 145°F for a roast or 204°F for pulled pork, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about an hour.
If you’re making pulled pork, you can pull it using two forks or bear claws. If you want, add BBQ sauce and then serve it!
My Favorite Wood For Pork Butt?
I prefer the lighter flavored wood for pork butt, like applewood, cherrywood or maple. Some people like the strong flavor of mesquite and hickory wood pellets. But you can use whatever types of wood chips you prefer.
Should You Wrap Pork Butt?
Many people will wrap the pork butt once it stalls. This means they will wrap it with aluminum or tin foil when it is mostly cooked. This can help keep the meat moist and prevent too much smokey flavor.
Some people prefer using butcher paper instead of aluminum foil. If you wrap the meat too soon, it may be a bit soggy, which will affect the bark’s formation.
What To Serve With Pork Butt?
Smoked pork is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
We recommend serving pork with the following:
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Potato Salad
Now that you know the times and temperatures for cooking pork, why not fire up your pellet grill? Find a good pork recipe and get started.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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