How to Make the Best Smoked Pulled Pork

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: turkey breast

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Turkey breast is leaner, while pork butt is often more affordable.

bbq sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup

Homemade sauce can be healthier with less sugar, while ketchup is budget-friendly.

Start by making the rub with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar; mix well.

Reserve a couple tablespoons of the rub for later use.

Rub the remaining mixture all over the pork shoulder roast, coating it well on the top, bottom, and sides.

Preheat the smoker to 225°F.

Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the smoker and cook for 3 hours.

Prepare the MOPP sauce by mixing 1 cup of water, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a squeeze bottle.

Apply the MOPP sauce to the pork every hour while it's cooking.

After 3 hours, transfer the roast to a pan and continue applying the MOPP sauce every hour for another 3 hours.

Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer, aiming for 192°F to 205°F.

Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and tent it to rest for a bit.

After resting, remove the fat cap from the pork if desired.

Use forks to shred the pork, pulling it apart with fingers and forks.

Sprinkle the reserved rub over the pulled pork and mix it in to add extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary