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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Pork Recipes

    Smoked Boston Butt {Pulled Pork}

    Published: Jul 22, 2022 by Ned Adams ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 29 Comments

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    Ingredient collage with a picture of the pulled pork sandwich for social media.
    Social media collage of boston butt cooking and then an inset image of the pulled pork sandwich with an ingredient list.
    Branded image of Smoked Boston Butt Pulled pork in a bun topped with coleslaw. BBQ and extra meat are pictured in the background.

    Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork is a simple, tasty, and better yet, easy meal that comes out flavorful and tender.

    Pulled pork is a summertime (or really anytime) dinner that takes little effort. Whether served on a plate with sides or in a toasted bun topped with coleslaw, this smoked pork butt is destined to be a favorite go-to meal.

    Pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and pickles.
    Jump to:
    • What's the difference between pork shoulder and Boston butt?
    • Recipe ingredients
    • Step by step directions
    • How to serve
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Our favorite tools to make Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork!
    • Other Related Side Dish Recipes
    • Get the Recipe

    Pulled pork is delicious whether you cook it in a Dutch oven or the slow cooker. But the flavor is intensified when cooked in a smoker.

    What's the difference between pork shoulder and Boston butt?

    Nothing. According to the Pork Council, they are the same cut. Pork shoulder is the most commonly seen name, but it can also be labeled as Boston butt, pork butt, picnic roast, and blade roast.

    Can Boston butt be used for pulled pork?

    Yes, it's actually the best and most common cut of pork used for pulled pork.

    Recipe ingredients

    Ingredients individually pictured to make this recipe: olive oil, pork roast, dry rub, and BBQ sauce.
    • Boston butt pork roast — this cut can also be labeled as picnic roast, pork shoulder, pork butt, or blade roast. We used bone in pork.
    • Olive oil — to coat the roast before seasoning and smoking.
    • Dry rub — flavor enhancer.
    • BBQ sauce — technically this is optional, but we love to slather on the sauce once the meat is done.

    Step by step directions

    The boston butt pork roast has been coated in olive oil and the dry rub and is resting on a cutting board before smoking.
    Step 1
    The pork shoulder has been placed in the smoker and the meat thermometer probes have been inserted into the meat.
    Step 2

    Step 1 — Coat the roast in the olive oil, making sure it is coated on all sides and ends. Then pat the bbq rub seasonings all over the roast.

    Step 2 — Place on the smoker grates and heat the smoker to 225°F, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. (6-7 hours.) Our smoker has meat thermometer probes, but a regular meat thermometer will work perfectly as well.

    The smoked pork butt has been placed in a cast iron skillet and tightly covered with aluminum foil and placed back in the smoker to continue cooking.
    The smoked pork shoulder is fully cooked and has rested.

    Step 3 — Once this soon to be delicious piece of meat reaches an internal temp of 160°F, place the pork in a cast iron skillet and cover with aluminum foil. Turn the smoker up to 300°F and continue to cook the pork shoulder until the temperature of the meat reaches 210°F.

    Step 4 — Once done, remove the skillet from the smoker and place it in cold oven to rest for at least 45 minutes. Do not remove the aluminum foil covering. After the resting time, uncover and remove from the oven.

    The smoked meat has been shredded for pulled pork inside a cast iron skillet.
    Step 5

    Step 5 — Use two forks to shred the meat right in the cast iron skillet. Coat with your favorite bbq sauce (if desired) and serve this delicious smoked pulled pork.

    How to serve

    There are many ways to enjoy this Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork. Here's some of our favorites.

    • Toasted bun — Toast your favorite hamburger bun and pile the meat high.
    • Slathered in barbecue sauce — either completely coat or simply drizzle your favorite sauce.
    • Topped with coleslaw — coleslaw is a classic accompaniment to pulled pork.
    • On a plate with delicious sides — just like at your favorite BBQ joint, simply plate it and serve with delicious sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, and cornbread.
    Close up view of the pulled pork in a bun topped with coleslaw; pickles off to the side and bbq sauce in the background.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I freeze leftovers?

    Absolutely. You'll want to make sure the pork has been shredded and completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe zip-seal bag. Remove all excess air to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals forming which can adversely affect flavor.

    What do I do with leftovers? There's not enough for another meal.

    Using the leftover meat in tacos is delicious. We love using it on nachos (recipe coming soon.)

    Can I brine the pork before making this recipe.

    Yes! Just make sure to complete pat the roast dry before coating it with the olive oil.

    Smoked pulled pork piled high on a bun topped with coleslaw, pickles as a garnish.

    Our favorite tools to make Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork!

    Image of Stargazer 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

    Stargazer 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

    Buy Now →
    Image of BuzzyWaxx Original Blend - Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning

    BuzzyWaxx Original Blend - Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning

    Buy Now →

    Other Related Side Dish Recipes

    • A baked potato on a black plate with the camp oven, more cooked potatoes, butter, green onions, cheese, sour cream, and green onions around the table.
      Dutch Oven Baked Potatoes
    • Close up view of southern style baked beans with bacon in a cast iron skillet.
      Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon
    • Closer view of the prepared simple coleslaw recipe
      Simple Coleslaw Recipe
    • Freshly steamed corn on the cob in a dutch oven with butter and chopped parsley.
      Steamed Corn on the Cob

    If you tried this Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked pulled pork in a bun topped with coleslaw.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 25 votes

    Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork

    Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork is a simple, tasty, and better yet, easy meal that comes out flavorful and tender.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time8 hours hrs
    Resting time45 minutes mins
    Total Time8 hours hrs 55 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12 people
    Calories: 328kcal
    Author: Ned Adams
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 12" Cast Iron Skillet
    • Smoker

    Ingredients

    • 5 lb Boston butt pork roast (4-5 lb.); bone-in
    • 16 oz pork rub seasoning
    • 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    US Standard - Metric

    Instructions

    • Coat the roast in the olive oil, making sure it is coated on all sides and ends.
    • Pat the bbq rub seasonings all over the roast.
    • Place on the smoker grates and smoke at 225°F, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. (6-7 hours.)
    • Once the meat reaches an internal temp of 160°F, place it in a cast iron skillet and cover with aluminum foil.
    • Turn the smoker up to 300°F and continue to cook the pork shoulder until the internal temp reaches 210°F.
    • Once done, remove the skillet from the smoker and place it in cold oven to rest for 45 minutes. Do not remove the aluminum foil covering.
    • Use two forks to shred the meat.
    • Coat with your favorite bbq sauce (if desired) and serve.

    Notes

    Can I freeze leftovers?
    Absolutely. You’ll want to make sure the pork has been shredded and completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe zip-seal bag. Remove all excess air to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals forming which can adversely affect flavor.
    What do I do with leftovers? There’s not enough for another meal.
    Using the leftover meat in tacos is delicious. We love using it on nachos (recipe coming soon.)
    Can I brine the pork before making this recipe.
    Yes! Just make sure to complete pat the roast dry before coating it with the olive oil.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 652mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1002IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 393mg | Iron: 15mg

    Dutch Oven Daddy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

    Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and rating below or Tag @DutchOvenDaddy on Instagram to show us your photos!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 25 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Gianne

      May 26, 2024 at 7:08 pm

      The meat was incredibly tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that perfectly complemented the savory spices. It's definitely a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any barbecue enthusiast!

      Reply
    2. Caroline

      May 26, 2024 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      Such a classic and such yummy flavor - perfect for when we have people over!

      Reply
    3. Anjali

      May 26, 2024 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      We made this and used it in pulled pork sandwiches and it tasted great!! Super tender, full of flavor. We loved it!

      Reply
    4. justine

      May 26, 2024 at 11:36 am

      Pull apart delicious, tossed with bbq sauce and swerved on buns.

      Reply
    5. Angela

      May 26, 2024 at 7:59 am

      5 stars
      We're huge pulled pork fans and this recipe did not disappoint. Very juicy and full of flavour. Plus the leftovers gave us some easy lunch options for the next few days. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Paula

      April 22, 2024 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      These sandwiches were epiiiiic. Loved every bite!

      Reply
    7. Jackie Garvin

      April 22, 2024 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars
      Iโ€™m always looking for great pulled pork recipes. This one is a winner. Nicely done!

      Reply
    8. MacKenzie Bennetts

      April 22, 2024 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      We made this last Sunday and it was amazing. It was so good and the leftovers have lasted us all week.

      Reply
    9. veenaazmanov

      April 22, 2024 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      Look juicy and mouth melting delicious. This is so tempting and yum as well as so easy to make. My kids will surely love this meaty treat

      Reply
    10. Gianne

      April 22, 2024 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      The meat was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The smokiness added depth to the dish, making it truly irresistible. This recipe is a must-try for any BBQ lover!

      Reply
    11. Carrie Robinson

      July 12, 2023 at 6:14 am

      5 stars
      I just love a good pulled pork sandwich! This looks amazing. Adding this to my weekly dinner plan soon. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    12. Kate

      July 12, 2023 at 4:43 am

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite way to cook up butt! Loved the great flavors.

      Reply
    13. Beth Sachs

      July 12, 2023 at 4:19 am

      5 stars
      My mouth is watering just reading the recipe. I can't wait to try this pulled pork at the weekend.

      Reply
    14. Anjali

      July 12, 2023 at 1:25 am

      5 stars
      My pork roast turned out tender, super flavorful and was so satisfying! We made this for dinner tonight and everyone loved it!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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    Hi I'm Ned,

    the Dutch Oven Daddy! Iโ€™m a full-time computer nerd and part-time cook. My passion is cast iron cooking with tips, tricks, and delicious recipes. I love using my recipes to bring together family and friends. I believe everything is made better in cast iron!

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