Pellet grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking, offering the perfect balance of wood-fired flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner excited to dive into the world of pellet grilling, choosing the best first recipe is crucial to building your confidence and showcasing the full capabilities of your new grill.
For your first cook, the goal is to select a recipe that’s forgiving, flavorful, and showcases what your pellet grill does best—slow, even heat infused with the rich taste of wood smoke. In this guide, we’ll walk through the perfect first cook on a pellet grill: smoked pork shoulder (Boston butt). This recipe is an excellent starting point because it highlights the core benefits of pellet grilling—slow smoking, even heat, and consistent results.
By the end of this post, you’ll not only have a perfect pork shoulder recipe under your belt but also the confidence to tackle anything your pellet grill has to offer.
Why Smoked Pork Shoulder Is the Best First Recipe for a Pellet Grill
- Forgiving Cut of Meat: Pork shoulder, often referred to as Boston butt, is an ideal cut for beginners. Its higher fat content helps prevent drying out, making it more forgiving than leaner cuts like brisket or chicken. Even if you overcook it slightly, the fat keeps it moist and tender.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you season the pork and place it on your grill, the pellet grill does most of the work. The temperature control of the pellet grill ensures a consistent, even heat that doesn’t require frequent attention.
- Rich Flavor: The slow smoking process combined with a rub infuses the pork shoulder with deep, smoky flavors that will impress any crowd. Plus, with pellet grills, you can choose different wood types (such as hickory, apple, or cherry) to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Versatile End Product: Pulled pork from a smoked pork shoulder can be used in various dishes—from sandwiches and tacos to nachos and salads. You’ll have a versatile meal that can be transformed into numerous different dishes.
Now, let’s dive into the details of the recipe and how to cook it!
The Best Pellet Grill Smoked Pork Shoulder Recipe
Overview of Recipe Content
The journey of making smoked pork shoulder on your pellet grill begins with a simple yet flavorful rub, followed by low-and-slow cooking. The result? Tender, fall-apart pork infused with smoky goodness, perfect for your first big grill adventure.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is straightforward, making it great for your first pellet grill experience.
- Hands-off cooking: Once your pork is on the grill, it’s mostly a matter of monitoring temperature, freeing you up to relax or focus on sides.
- Incredible Flavor: The slow-smoking process infuses every bite of the pork with deep, rich flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish will make you look like a seasoned pitmaster.
- Leftovers: Pulled pork keeps well and can be repurposed in many dishes, offering meal flexibility for days.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the smell of hickory wood smoke filling the air as your pork shoulder slowly absorbs that rich flavor. The meat is tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection with a sweet and savory rub, creating a wonderful bark (crust) on the outside. Each bite has a perfect balance of smokiness, a touch of spice, and natural pork richness. Simply put, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Benefits of Using a Pellet Grill for Smoked Pork Shoulder
- Consistent Temperature Control: One of the biggest challenges of smoking meat is maintaining a consistent temperature. Pellet grills take care of that for you with automatic temperature regulation, so you can focus on other things while your pork shoulder cooks to perfection.
- Versatility: Pellet grills can smoke, roast, bake, grill, and even sear, making them perfect for a wide range of recipes. This recipe showcases the low-and-slow smoking capabilities, but it’s just the beginning of what your pellet grill can do.
- Wood Flavor Variety: With a pellet grill, you can easily experiment with different wood pellets to find your preferred smoke flavor. For this recipe, I recommend hickory for a bold, traditional barbecue taste, but you can use apple or cherry for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
Ingredients
To get started with your first smoked pork shoulder, you’ll need:
- Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): Aim for a 6-8 pound shoulder.
- Yellow Mustard: Used as a binder to help the rub adhere to the meat.
- Pellet Grill Pellets: Hickory, apple, or a blend like competition blend (a mix of hickory, maple, and cherry).
For the Dry Rub:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Necessary Tools for Preparation
Here are the tools you’ll need for your first cook:
- Pellet Grill: The star of the show.
- Meat Thermometer: A probe thermometer is essential for monitoring the internal temperature of the pork shoulder. Your pellet grill may come with one, or you can use an external model.
- Basting Brush: For applying sauces or mop mixtures during the smoking process.
- Aluminum Foil: You’ll use this for wrapping the pork shoulder halfway through the cook to prevent drying out.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Wood Pellets: If you prefer a less intense smoke flavor, use fruit woods like apple or cherry. Mesquite is excellent for a bolder flavor but can be strong, so use sparingly if you’re a first-timer.
- Spices: The rub is versatile—feel free to add a tablespoon of cumin for a deeper earthiness, or swap the cayenne for chipotle powder to bring in a smoky heat.
- Marinade: If you want extra moisture or flavor, marinating the pork shoulder overnight in a mixture of apple juice, vinegar, and spices can add another dimension to the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoked Pork Shoulder
1. Preheat Your Pellet Grill
Set your pellet grill to 225°F and ensure it has enough pellets to last for the entire cook. This low-and-slow cooking temperature is perfect for rendering the fat and breaking down the connective tissues in the pork shoulder, making it tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Pork Shoulder
- Trim: Remove any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave a thin layer (about ¼ inch) to help keep the meat moist during the cook.
- Apply Mustard: Rub the pork shoulder all over with yellow mustard. Don’t worry; you won’t taste the mustard—it’s just to help the dry rub stick.
- Season Generously: Apply your dry rub mixture liberally to all sides of the pork shoulder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Smoke the Pork Shoulder
- Place on Grill: Once your grill is preheated, place the pork shoulder directly on the grates, fat-side up.
- Smoke: Cook for approximately 5-7 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Spritz the pork shoulder every hour with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and apple juice to keep it moist.
4. Wrap in Foil
Once the pork reaches 165°F, remove it from the grill and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. This will help it retain moisture and push it through the “stall” (a phase where the internal temperature stops rising for a while).
5. Finish Cooking
- Continue Cooking: Place the wrapped pork back on the grill and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 203°F. This can take an additional 4-6 hours.
- Rest: Once done, let the pork shoulder rest, wrapped, for at least 1 hour. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender.
6. Shred and Serve
- Unwrap the pork shoulder and use two forks to shred it into tender pieces. Serve with barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and buns for pulled pork sandwiches, or get creative with tacos, nachos, or even pizza.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked pork shoulder is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw is a perfect contrast to the rich, smoky pork.
- Mac and Cheese: Comfort food on top of comfort food! The creamy texture of mac and cheese complements the bold flavors of the smoked pork.
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is a must-have side for any barbecue dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn.
Tips for the Perfect Pork Shoulder
- Use a Water Pan: Placing a pan of water in the grill helps maintain moisture and keeps the pork from drying out.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Patience is key when smoking pork shoulder. Let it cook low and slow for the best results.
- Spritz Regularly: A mixture of apple juice and vinegar spritzed every hour helps keep the pork moist and flavorful.
Storage Instructions
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a bit of water or chicken broth over the pork and heat it in the oven at 250°F to prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder on a pellet grill?
It typically takes 10-12 hours for a 6-8 pound pork shoulder to fully cook at 225°F, including the time to wrap and rest.
What’s the best wood to use for smoking pork shoulder?
Hickory is the most popular choice for pork shoulder, but apple, cherry, and pecan are excellent alternatives for a milder flavor.
How do I know when my pork shoulder is done?
The pork shoulder is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 203°F and feels tender when probed.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Start to Your Pellet Grilling Journey
There you have it—the perfect first cook on your pellet grill! Smoked pork shoulder is a flavorful, forgiving, and rewarding recipe that will make you fall in love with your new grilling toy. Not only does it showcase the pellet grill’s ability to deliver consistent, smoky flavors, but it also sets you up with a versatile protein that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Looking for more delicious ideas? Try your hand at smoked brisket, ribs, or even whole chickens as your confidence grows. For more grilling tips and recipes, check out the best dishes to cook on a Traeger.
Other Related Recipes to Try:
- Raspberry Cheesecake: Perfect dessert to complement a savory, smoky meal.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Dough: A fun, sweet treat to try after mastering savory grilling recipes.
- Cake Mix Cookies: Easy and quick cookies to whip up while your pork shoulder smokes.
For more grilling tips, dessert ideas, and behind-the-scenes recipes, visit and join our Facebook Group and Facebook Page!