Wondering how often to spray a pork butt when smoking? Pork butt is a delicious piece of meat. But it can end up dry!
Spritzing is also a great way of creating amazing flavor and keeping the pork moist. How often should you be spraying pork butt when smoking? Once the rub is dry on the surface of the pork, spritz the pork butt every 30 minutes.
We’ve put together everything you need to know so you can spray with ease. So grab your spray bottle and let’s get spritzing.
Below you learn more about how often you should be spraying pork butt.
Table of contents
How Often Should You Be Spritzing Pork Butt when Smoking?
Once the rub is dry on the surface of the pork, spritz the pork butt every 30 minutes. Keep spraying the pork until you need to wrap it. Once it’s wrapped it will stay moist. It takes pork butt one hour per pound to cook, so keep that mind when working out how often you will be spritzing your pork.
What Is The Best Spritz For Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder?
We recommend a simple recipe of apple cider vinegar and water. This combination won’t be overpowering on the meat or your marinade, plus it helps to tenderize the butt
Alternative Options For Spritzing
If apple cider vinegar and water aren’t your things, there are other options available.
Have a read of the list below to find something that works for you.
- Dr. Pepper
- Beer
- Bourbon
- Water
- Apple Juice
- Pineapple Juice
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
Will The Spritz Add Flavor To The Pork Butt?
Yes the spritz will add flavor to the pork butt. However most of the spritz will evaporate or drip off the meat when it’s cooked but it will stay add a slight flavor
During The First Couple Of Hours
The meat cooks better for the first few hours if you leave it alone. Don’t open the lid, don’t spray the meat, just sit back and relax. Leaving the pork will allow it to absorb important smoke.
When Do I Start Spraying?
You may be waiting a while before you start spritzing. Depending on your recipe it could take 4-6 hours before you can start spraying.
The bark will also start to have cracks when it’s time to spritz.
What Happens If I Spritz Too Soon?
While you may be tempted to start, we recommend holding off. If you are overeager in your spritzing, the rub will wash off.
To test the meat, touch it with your finger and check to see whether the rub sticks.
How Often Do I Spray Pork Butt When Smoking?
Spray pork butt every 1-2 hours and don’t overdo it. When it comes to spritzing, everyone will have a different answer. We recommend less is more when it comes to pork butt.
How Spritz Can Help The Bark Formation
Too much spritzing at the beginning will stop your bark from forming. However, small amounts will attract more smoke. This gives the pork a great smoke flavor and seals the spice rub into the meat.
Will Spritzing Affect The Shrinkage Of The Pork Butt?
Pork butt, like all meat, will shrink when it cooks. However, some pitmasters claim that spritzing shrinks less meat. Unfortunately, there’s little evidence to support this, so your meat will shrink regardless.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Spraying I Should Know About?
Other than spritzing too early, the other aspect you should know is cook times. Spritzing can slow the cooking time and lower the cooking temperature.
Therefore, you’ll need more time on your hands for slow cooking if you choose this method.
Can I Skip Spritzing?
Sure, many pitmasters do skip spritzing pork butt. Sometimes skipping can result in a better bark. However, it also puts your pork at greater risk of ending up as dehydrated.
Can I Mop Pork Butt?
If spritzing isn’t your thing then you can also mop your meat. This involves brushing the meat with a small mop brush. If you do choose to mop make sure you’re careful not to brush off the rub.
What Is The Best Barbecue Rub For Pork Butt?
An excellent rub can give your pork butt awesome flavor. You can either find a recipe or make your pork rub.Most barbecue rubs can be made from ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Check out this recipe for a basic barbecue rub:
What You Need for A Basic BBQ RUB
- Cumin
- Garlic Granules
- Onion Granules
- Black Pepper
Method
- Combine the ingredients and dry rub onto the pork butt before smoking.
What Is The Best Wood For Smoked Pork Butt?
We recommend going with fruit wood like apple wood or cherry wood, which gives the meat a nice flavor. Ultimately, it will depend on what part of the US you live in as to what wood you have access to.
Wood Options
- Peach Wood
- Alder Wood
- Apple Wood
- Cherry Wood
Spraying cuts of meat can result in a smoky flavor and a crispy bark. But knowing how often to do it is a crucial part of the cooking process.
Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to spritzing pork butt. But as long as you don’t over-spritz it, you should be just fine.
How often do you spray pork butt during the smoking process?
Smoke On!
Charlie
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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