Smoking Pork Shoulder
Learn how to smoking pork shoulder perfectly with our detailed guide, including timing, temperature, and expert tips.
⏱️
3h30min - 10h30min
Cook Time
2-6 lb / 1-2.5 kg
🌡️
225°F / 105°C
Smoker Temperature
⚖️
0.3 lb / 5 oz / 140 g
Portion Weight
Per adult serving
✅
145-160°F / 65-70°C
Internal Temperature
Safe to Well Done
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Prepare smoker for 225°F / 105°C
- 2Apply yellow mustard as binder
- 3Cover with generous dry rub
- 4Place in smoker fat-side up
- 5Smoke 1.5-2 hours per pound
- 6Spritz with apple juice every 2 hours
- 7Wrap at 160°F / 70°C internal temp (the stall)
- 8Continue to 205°F / 95°C internal temp
- 9Rest wrapped for 1 hour
- 10Pull or shred for serving
Expert Tips for Smoking
- 💡Hickory or apple wood work great
- 💡The stall happens around 160°F / 70°C
- 💡Wrapping speeds cooking through stall
- 💡Bone should pull out clean when done
Pork Shoulder Temperature Guide
| Doneness | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Safe | 145°F / 65°C | Slightly pink center is acceptable |
| Well Done | 160°F / 70°C | No pink remaining, fully cooked through |
Pork Shoulder Safety Guidelines
Important food safety practices when handling and cooking pork shoulder.
⚠️
Cook to proper internal temperature
⚠️
Use food thermometer
🚨
Remember
When in doubt, use a food thermometer. It's the only reliable way to ensure your pork shoulder is safely cooked and delicious.
Other Ways to Cook Pork Shoulder
🐷Pork Shoulder
🍗
Slow Roasting⏱️
Cook Time
3h - 9h
2-6 lb / 1-2.5 kg
⚖️
Weight Range
2-6 lb / 1-2.5 kg
🔥
Oven Temperature
300°F / 150°C
🌡️
Internal Temperature
150-160°F / 65-70°C
Safe to Well Done
View complete guide
🐷Pork Shoulder
🍲
Braising⏱️
Cook Time
3h
⚖️
Weight Range
4-10 lb / 1.8-4.5 kg
🔥
Cooking Temperature
300°F / 150°C
🌡️
Internal Temperature
150-160°F / 65-70°C
Safe to Well Done
View complete guide
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