There's nothing quite like the magic of perfectly smoked pulled pork, and using your Traeger grill takes this classic BBQ favorite to the next level. This Traeger pulled pork recipe delivers incredibly tender, smoky meat that practically falls apart at the touch of your fork. Whether you're feeding a crowd at your next backyard gathering or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is your ticket to BBQ excellence.

The Secret Behind Amazing Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe

Traeger grills have revolutionized backyard smoking with their consistent temperature control and reliable wood-fired flavor. This pulled pork recipe harnesses your Traeger's capabilities to transform a humble pork shoulder into a mouth-watering masterpiece that rivals the best BBQ joints. The combination of perfectly maintained temperature and real wood smoke creates that sought-after pink smoke ring and deep, complex flavors that will have your guests begging for seconds.

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The Secret Behind Amazing Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Expert Tips for Perfect Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe
Storage Instructions
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
Equipment For Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe
Top Tip
FAQ
HOW DID YOUR TRAEGER PULLED PORK TURN OUT?
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Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe

Ingredients

the Pork:

8-10 pound pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt)
¼ cup yellow mustard (helps the rub adhere)

the Dry Rub:

¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Spritzing:

1 cup apple juice
1 cup apple cider vinegar

Wrapping (The Texas Crutch):

Heavy-duty aluminum foil or butcher paper
¼ cup apple juice

Instructions

Preparation (12-24 hours before cooking)

Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving about ¼ inch fat cap
Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl until well combined
Coat the entire pork shoulder with yellow mustard
Apply the dry rub generously to all sides of the meat
Wrap the seasoned pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight

Smoking Process (10-14 hours)

Remove the pork from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking
Start your Traeger grill and set the temperature to 225°F
Place the pork shoulder on the grill, fat cap up
Insert your meat thermometer if using
Mix apple juice and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle

Maintaining the Cook

Spritz the meat every hour after the first 3 hours
Monitor internal temperature - the pork will likely experience a "stall" around 165°F
When internal temperature reaches 165°F (usually 6-8 hours), wrap tightly in foil or butcher paper with ¼ cup apple juice
Return to grill and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 195-205°F

Resting and Pulling

Remove pork from grill when internal temperature reaches 195-205°F
Keep wrapped and let rest for 1-2 hours
Shred using bear claws or two forks
Mix in any accumulated juices from the wrap

Expert Tips for Perfect Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe

Choose the right wood pellets: Hickory, apple, or a competition blend work best
Don't rush the process: Low and slow is key for tender pulled pork
Keep the lid closed: Only open when necessary for spritzing
Use a water pan: This helps maintain moisture during the long cook
Let it rest: The resting period is crucial for juicy pulled pork

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Portion into sealed bags with some juice and freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating: Add a splash of apple juice when reheating to maintain moisture

Recipe Variations

Carolina Style: Add vinegar-based sauce after pulling
Memphis Style: Skip the wrapping step for a darker bark
Sweet and Spicy: Double the brown sugar and cayenne in the rub
Hawaiian Twist: Use pineapple juice for spritzing

Serving Suggestions

Classic pulled pork sandwiches on brioche buns
Loaded pulled pork nachos
Pulled pork tacos with fresh slaw
BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese
Stuffed pulled pork baked potatoes

Equipment For Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe

Traeger grill (any model will work)
Meat thermometer (preferably wireless)
Spray bottle for spritzing
Large cutting board
Heavy-duty aluminum foil or butcher paper
Bear claws or large forks for pulling
Large container for storing pulled pork

Top Tip

The most important factor in achieving perfect pulled pork is patience with temperature. Don't try to rush through the stall by increasing heat - this can lead to tough, dry meat. Trust the process and wait for that magical 195-205°F internal temperature range.

FAQ

How long do you cook pulled pork on the Traeger?

Cook pulled pork on a Traeger for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound at 225°F. For an 8-pound pork shoulder, expect a total cooking time of 12-16 hours. The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F and easily shreds with a fork. Remember to include an additional 1-2 hours for the crucial resting period.

Is it better to smoke a pork shoulder at 225 or 250?

Smoking pork shoulder at 225°F is the optimal temperature for achieving the best texture and flavor. While 250°F will cook the meat faster, the lower temperature of 225°F allows more time for the collagen to break down properly and for the smoke flavor to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in more tender, flavorful pulled pork.

How long does it take to smoke pulled pork at 225?

Smoking pulled pork at 225°F typically takes 1.5-2 hours per pound. An 8-pound pork shoulder will need approximately 12-16 hours of total cooking time. The meat will usually hit a temperature stall around 165°F for several hours before reaching the target temperature of 195-205°F. Always cook to temperature rather than time.

What is the 3:2:1 method for pork shoulder?

The 3-2-1 method isn't typically used for pork shoulder - it's actually a technique for smoking ribs. For pork shoulder, pit masters instead use the "low and slow" method: smoke unwrapped at 225°F until reaching 165°F internal temperature (about 6-8 hours), wrap and continue cooking until 195-205°F (about 4-6 hours), then rest for 1-2 hours before pulling.

HOW DID YOUR TRAEGER PULLED PORK TURN OUT?

How did your Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. If you're a fan of low-and-slow BBQ mastery, be sure to try our Thin Cut Chicken Breast Recipes next – another backyard smoking masterpiece!

Did you make this Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.

Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Maybe you experimented with different wood pellets or created your own signature rub? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of smoking enthusiasts and home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your perfectly pulled pork creation!

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