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Easy Pulled Pork for Backyard Feasts and Weeknight Wins
If you’ve ever walked past a smoker and caught a whiff of that unmistakable, rich, meaty aroma… yeah, you already know where this is going. Pulled pork is the kind of dish that makes people weak in the knees and unapologetically lick their fingers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, batch-cooking for the week, or just trying to impress your neighbour Steve (who still thinks chicken breasts are the height of grilling), pulled pork is your golden ticket.
And no—this isn’t just about slapping on some BBQ sauce and calling it a day. Great easy pulled pork is an event. It’s a vibe. It’s the kind of thing that starts the night before and ends with you getting high-fives from people you barely know.
So let’s talk easy pulled pork—what it is, how to make it flawlessly, and how to become the pulled pork expert you were born to be.
What Exactly Is Smoked Pulled Pork?
At its core, easy smoked pulled pork is slow-cooked pork shoulder that’s shredded into tender, juicy strands and often mixed with BBQ sauce. But the magic is in the details: the rub, the smoke, the time, the tenderness.
The best pulled pork is juicy, smoky, savoury, and perfectly seasoned. It has bark (that flavour-packed crust on the outside), melt-in-your-mouth texture, and just the right amount of fat.
This isn’t fast food. This is slow food with purpose.
Why Pork Shoulder for Pulled Pork?
If you’re tempted to reach for a leaner cut—put it down. Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is the undisputed king of pulled pork. It has the perfect fat-to-meat ratio and connective tissue that melts into juicy, glorious flavour after hours of low-and-slow cooking.
It’s budget-friendly, forgiving, and practically impossible to overcook.
The Rub That Makes It All Happen:
A solid BBQ rub is where the flavour starts. While store-bought options can do the trick in a pinch, I always recommend making your own. Here’s my go-to rub—balanced, bold, and customizable:
🔥 Chef’s Classic BBQ Rub
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp cayenne (optional, if you like heat)
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2 tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp black pepper
Mix it all up. Taste it. Adjust. This rub works beautifully for pulled pork, but you’ll end up putting it on everything from ribs to roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 8 Hours
- Yield: Serves a Crowd, 12+
Ingredients
- 8 lbs boneless pork shoulde
- 8 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tsp BBQ rub (use recipe above or your fave)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce + 1 cup water
Instructions
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Cut & Season
Cut your pork shoulder into 2–3 equal-sized chunks. This helps it cook faster and more evenly. Generously season with salt and BBQ rub. If you can, do this the night before and refrigerate uncovered overnight. The dry brine adds serious flavour and helps build that prized bark. -
Set Up the Smoker
Set your smoker to 300°F. Yes, 300. We’re not going ultra low-and-slow today. This is real-life pulled pork with flavour and practicality. -
Smoke Time
Place your pork on the smoker, fat-side up if possible. Smoke for 6–7 hours until it’s ridiculously tender and falling apart. You’re aiming for an internal temp of 195–205°F. It should pull apart with minimal effort. -
Sauce & Pull
Pull the pork while it’s still warm–we use a pair of tongs or a couple of forks, but take note: it does not need to be shredded to bits. We like bigger, tender pieces of pork. -
Pour the mixture of 1 cup BBQ sauce and 1 cup water over the meat and mix. The sauce thins out just enough to soak into all those crevices.
Notes
How to Serve Pulled Pork
You can’t go wrong with a classic pulled pork sandwich (brioche bun, slaw, extra sauce). But don’t stop there.
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Pulled pork tacos with pickled onions and pineapple or mango salsa
Cook With Us!
Like this recipe? You should try cooking with us! Start with an on-demand pre-recorded class, or jump in to the best experience with our live classes!
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It used some cooking techniques I wasn't familiar with and produced a dish that was as tasty as the best Indian food I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.I have done a few classes with the Culinary Studio and always enjoy the classes and the fabulous meals. They deliver the food to my door all prepped for the class if I like (which I do!). Highly recommended.We did a virtual zoom cooking class. It was better than cooking classes we have done in a actual class. We really enjoyed our ourselves. We have made the meal a couple of times since the class. We have friends over for the session and have great restaurant quality mealsThe Culinary Studio is an wonderful online chef duo!You will learn delicious recipes taught in real time from start to end by two good friends who want nothing more than to teach you how to cook and and have fun doing it. Class presentation is practical and encouraging with one chef starting and one playing 'catch up' so you do not miss anything and no question will go unanswered!The recipe with food pack is perfectly packaged and always arrives on time to make it easy so you do not have to shop!Several recipes from the Culinary Studio are in our regular rotation!Excited to keep cooking with you Kirstie and Jody!Online classes have allowed me the convenience to open my computer and learn in the comfort of my home and to do the class on my own schedule rather than missing out due to life's interruptions. Classes are paced well and the chef's are ready to answer your cooking questions even if they are unrelated to the class. 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Pulled pork grilled cheese!
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Pulled pork mac & cheese? Please and thank you.
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Pulled pork breakfast hash with crispy potatoes and a runny egg? Chef’s kiss.
This recipe makes a lot of pulled pork—but that’s a good thing. It freezes beautifully and reinvents itself over and over again.
Substitutions:
Making pulled pork your way? Go for it. Here’s how to adjust:
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Cut: Pork shoulder is king, but pork butt or bone-in cuts work too—just add more cook time. We do actually prefer a rustic bone-in big fat cap, skin type pork shoulder– the meat is exceptionally juicy, but it does take more time and a little more care when pulling.
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Rub: Swap the spices! Add mustard powder, chipotle, or even coffee for depth. Or leave a rub out altogether. Or just use our favourite spice, Spanish Smoked Paprika.
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Sauce: Go classic BBQ, Carolina mustard, or spicy vinegar. Homemade or store-bought works.
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Cooking Method: No smoker? Oven works too. Set to 300°F, cover with foil for most of the cook, and uncover at the end to develop the bark.
What to Know/Avoid in This Recipe
Let’s be real—pulled pork isn’t hard, but there are some common mistakes:
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Don’t rush the rest. Once it’s off the smoker, let it rest at least 30 minutes. This helps retain juices.
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Skip the lean cuts. Pork loin = dry pulled pork = sadness.
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Don’t drown it in sauce. You want to taste the pork, the smoke, and the rub—not just the sugar. You can always have extra BBQ sauce for folks to add in on their own.
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Avoid over-trimming. A little fat is flavour. Too much trimming means dry results.
Storage Recommendations:
Leftover pulled pork is gold!
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Fridge: Keeps 4–5 days in an airtight container. Add a splash of water or broth before reheating to prevent drying out.
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Freezer: Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Portion it out so you’re not thawing 3 lbs just for a taco.
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Reheat: Gently on the stovetop with a splash of liquid or in the oven at 325°F, covered.
FAQ
Can I make pulled pork in the oven?
Yes! Follow the same process. Use a roasting pan with a rack or place directly on a lined baking sheet. Add a pan of water in the oven for moisture.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
Totally up to you! Sweet and smoky sauces are classic. Vinegar-based sauces are perfect for cutting through rich pork. We used BBQ sauce and Rub from our local spot, Lancaster Smoke House, available at Fore Quarter Butcher Shop (as is the pork of course!)
Do I need a meat thermometer?
No. We judge the doneness by feel, by it falling apart with little effort. But, having a thermometer for larger cuts can still be helpful: the difference between “tender” and “life-changing” is about 10°F. You want 195–205°F internal temp. We love the MEATER Thermometers.
How do I get that bark?
Dry rub + airflow + time. Don’t wrap it too early, and don’t overcrowd the smoker.
Final Thoughts: Pulled Pork Is Worth It
Pulled pork isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of time, technique, and patience. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together. It’s VERY rewarding! It’s versatile, affordable, and incredibly satisfying to make from scratch.
Once you’ve made your own pulled pork, there’s no going back. You’re officially part of the pulled pork elite. Welcome to the club.
