So spring here in Portland has been beyond amazing this year, last weekend we had the pleasure of attending a friend’s birthday celebration which included a very delicious smoked, pulled pork. It was awesome to be outside with friends enjoying a home smoked pork extravaganza. When you smoke a pork shoulder (also referred to as a butt) you get the most amazing bark (chewy,crunchy outside) and gorgeous smoke ring….it really is one of those things, that when done well is quite extraordinary. I do not have a smoker however, so I decided I would try to “fake” it and see if I could at least get it to a reasonable facsimile. I make pulled pork occasionally and its pretty damn good….but this time I lowered the oven temp and did it slow without any additional liquid….and uncovered to imitate the tasty “bark” on the outside.
Cast members:
• Pork shoulder 5lbs or so
• Rub
1. ½ cup brown sugar
2. ¼ salt…sounds like a lot, but you are using a lot of meat
3. 2 tablespoons chili powder, I used chipotle for smokiness
4. 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
5. 2 tablespoons ground pepper
6. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
7. 1 tablespoon onion powder
Combine and rub into your butt (pork), and place in a large roaster. In a preheated 250 degree oven cook your roast for 8 hours….yes 8….it will be fork tender and full of pan juice. Rest for 20 minutes and its ready to serve! Great with BBQ sauce, our friend Kevin made a great one with bourbon and red wine, or serve with the pan juice, I also like to make pulled pork chili and chili verde with this pulled pork, great filling for tacos and enchiladas. This is a super easy technique that anyone can master and you don’t need a smoker! Although I must mention you won’t get that great smoke ring that you get on a smoked pork butt…but this is aimed for the average joe/jane without the fancy equipment. Happy porkin! Cheers!
