Hi all,
Last week I picked up a pork shoulder with a price too good to pass up. This weekend I planned on smoking the shoulder and for the first time, not foiling at the stall and continuing un-foiled for the entire cook. Well, as usual, my plans changed mid stream and I had to adapt. Time was running short, the family was getting very hungry, so in the end I did foil during the stall.
I started with an almost 8# shoulder, which I injected with a mixture of Doctor Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, some of the rub mixture, and butter extract. I then rubbed with a rub containing Dan's Backyard BBQ rub (something I get local), Ruffus Teague Meat rub, and a little additional honey powder instead of brown sugar. In the fridge over night.
Got the smoker settled at 225 and put the shoulder on at 6am. I was hoping for a 12 hour cook (I know, should never try to plan it that way). I sprayed the shoulder with mixture of apple juice and apple cider vinegar (about 3 to 1 juice to vinegar) every 1.5 hours for the first 7-8 hours. At 6pm the shoulder was still only at 167 and I was given the heads up from the boss, .... dinner needed to be done!!! Hence, it went into foil and temp bumped up to 270 for an additional 1 hour 45 minutes until it reached temp of 201 and probe tender.
Removed the shoulder from the foil and into a disposable foil pan and pulled. I saved the juices from the foil it was wrapped in during cooking, seperated some of the fat from the top and poured back over the PP.
I have to say, even changing plans mid-way it was outstanding.
I did make a cole slaw to go with it. I usually do not put the slaw on my PP sammies, but looked good so gave it a try. I "borrowed" the cole slaw recipe from a pit manufacturer video. It was actually very very good and easy to make. I took one 12 oz bag of shredded Asian Slaw which consisted of Napa Cabbage, Carrots and Celery, a hand full of shredded red cabbage for color, diced up seeded and de-veined fresno and jalapeno pepper (one each, but could have used a bit more kick with another pepper), diced up quarter of a pineapple for sweetness, and just enough slaw dressing to give some moisture. I like cole slaw on the drier side. With all the ingredients, you can add as much or as little as you would like.
Although later than everyone wanted, the dinner was very good, and lots of good left overs.
Here are some pics:
Shoulder -- Could not beat the price around here
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Injected and Rubbed
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Gotta Wrap it now
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Unwrapped after 45 minute sit
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Pulled
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Plated
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