How long will it take to smoke a 9 pound pork shoulder?

How long to smoke a pork shoulder or pork butt? The cook time for pork shoulder is around 90 minutes per pound in a 250° F smoker. A 4-pound pork shoulder will take approximately 6 hours. A 9-pound pork shoulder will take approximately 13 ½ hours.

How long to smoke a 9 pound pork shoulder at 225?

At 225, figure roughly 2 hours per pound of meat, so the same piece of smoked pork shoulder takes from 12- 16 hours at 225. There are a lot of factors in how long it takes, including the humidity in the air, how consistent the grill holds temperature, the outside temperature, and more.

Can you smoke a pork shoulder in 4 hours?

For a 4 pound pork shoulder you will want to smoke it for 4-6 hours or until it reaches 190 degrees (internal temp) or you can go as high as 200. You want to make sure you reach 165 to kill off any bacteria, but if you go up to 190 you will only be able to shred it that much easier.

What should the internal temp of a 9 lb pork shoulder be?

The USDA recommends that pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) for food safety. But every griller worth their salt knows that cuts rich in collagen, like pork butt, need to be brought to much higher temperatures (195-205°F [91-96°C]) to properly break down the connective tissues.

Should I flip pork shoulder when smoking?

Once you begin the cooking process, just leave the pork alone and let the heat do all the magic. I don't even prefer flipping it or turning it size wise while it is cooking. Flipping it will damage that beautiful crust that will be forming on the outer surface of the meat.

How to Smoke Pork Butt / How to Make Pulled Pork Recipe

What temp does pork shoulder fall apart?

Return pork to the grill (or smoker) The pork is finished cooking when it pulls apart easily and reaches an internal temperature of 190 to 195 degrees F, about another 1 to 2 hours. Let rest for 1 hour, then unwrap the pork butt and pull the bone out.

When should you wrap a pork shoulder?

Once the shoulder reaches an internal temperature of between 165° and 170°, remove it from the grill. Add it to a double sheet of large foil or butcher's paper and spray it again with the spritzer generously. Wrap it well in the foil and return to the grill.

What temp is pork shoulder most tender?

For BBQ cuts, the recommended temperature for optimal tastiness is 203°F (95°C). A pork shoulder cooked to 145°F (63°C) is safe to eat, but will not be tasty at all. Continue cooking high-connective-tissue cuts (which have enough fat and collagen to handle the high temperatures) to 203°F (95°C).

Can you leave pork shoulder in smoker overnight?

The rule of thumb for this overnight smoke is 120 minutes per pound plus a 1-hour rest. We prefer to get the pork shoulder on the smoker and have the estimated time of doneness to be at least 2-3 hours before we plan on eating. Don't worry, it will stay hot till serving time.

Is it better to smoke a pork shoulder at 225 or 250?

If you have the time, 225 degrees Fahrenheit is an excellent sweet spot for low-and-slow cooked pork butt. At this temperature, you can also use Super Smoke if your Traeger has that capability.

Do you wrap smoked pork shoulder?

Wrapping in Foil

Meat will generally be juicier and more tender. However, do not overcook. Meats like brisket and pork shoulder are best when taken to an internal temp of 203 degrees. Meat will cook faster and power more easily through the stall (see above).

How long does a 9 lb pork shoulder take to smoke at 275?

If you're smoking your pork butt at a higher temperature of 275°F, it generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours per pound.

How do you get past the stall when smoking pork shoulder?

You can wrap your meat in foil to avoid or get past the stall. This technique is known as the Texas Crutch.

Does pork shoulder need to rest?

Rest it as long as needed to get it from the time it finishes to meal time. Agree. If you're going to rest it for a long period, wrap in foil & a towel and stick it in a cooler box. I've rested pork shoulders for over 2.5 hrs before.

Is it better to wrap smoked pork shoulder in foil or butcher paper?

Final Thoughts

So to recap, foil is closed and lets the juices and fat stay in while the meat rests after cooking. As for butcher paper, the breathable properties of the paper allow more smoke to pass through, and so you'll have smokier and more flavorful meat for everyone to enjoy.

Should I trim pork shoulder before cooking?

As you learn how to trim a pork butt, you'll discover that doing so allows the rub and smoke to penetrate thoroughly. What's key is removing the thick skin usually located on two sides of the shoulder, as well as excess pieces of fat that won't render properly during cooking.

Why is my smoked pork shoulder not pulling apart?

If they aren't fall apart tender, they usually are undercooked. Temperature is the key. I cook mine from 225°~250°, not by time, but by temp. I leave it sealed up in the kettle for at least the first 2 hours as long as temps are stable, and after 2 hrs., I rotate the butt 180° to make sure it cooks evenly.

Does pork shoulder get more tender the longer it cooks?

Unlike the more lean tenderloin and chops, pork shoulder is an incredibly forgiving cut of meat. It becomes more tender as it cooks and benefits from a lengthy cook time, so even if it stays on the heat a few minutes too long, you won't suddenly end up with something dry or rubbery.

Can pork shoulder be overcooked?

However, if the pork is cooked too long, it may become dry and hard instead of tender. When the internal temperature of the meat reaches 210 degrees F or more, the muscle fibers become tougher, and the meat becomes dry and chewy.

Can you cut pork shoulder in half to smoke faster?

It took just 70 minutes for the meat to reach 203-211°F measured with an instant-read thermometer. This split pork butt cooked in just 4 hours 10 minutes! So splitting a pork butt really does speed up cooking.

How much fat do you leave on pulled pork?

Cut and trim the fat

Cut the meat into four pieces to fit in a 6-quart Crock-Pot. This also helps them cook more evenly and faster. The pork shoulder has a good amount of fat layer on the surface. Ensure to cut away most excess fat, leaving just a small amount for flavor.

How to smoke a 9 lb pork shoulder?

Place the pork shoulder in the smoker over the drip pan. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 195° to 205° F, which will take approximately 90 minutes per pound. Rest for at least 1 hour (longer is better). Wrap it in foil and place in a cooler to keep it warm.

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