Smoking pulled pork is a rewarding process that yields flavorful, tender meat perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or BBQ platters. While it takes time and patience, following key steps will ensure a delicious outcome every time. From selecting the right cut to smoking and shredding it easily, the process transforms a simple pork shoulder into a crowd-pleasing dish.
This guide breaks down each essential phase, including preparation, smoking, braising, and shredding, to make the process approachable, even for beginners. Whether you’re using a Traeger or any other smoker, consistency in temperature and seasoning is crucial.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to master pulled pork at home. Each step is explained in detail to eliminate guesswork, and practical tips are included to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time. Get ready to impress your guests with mouthwatering smoked pulled pork.
Preparation and Seasoning
Choose a bone-in pork shoulder or pork butt for maximum flavor and texture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Apply a binder such as yellow mustard to help the seasoning adhere, though it won’t alter the final taste. Generously coat the meat with your chosen dry rub, ensuring every surface is covered. Spices typically include salt, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar for balance. Let the pork rest in the fridge for several hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Get the full printable recipe: OWYD Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe
Smoking
Set your smoker to 220°F, maintaining a steady low heat. Mesquite, hickory, or applewood pellets work well to infuse a smoky aroma. Place the pork on the grill grate, ensuring adequate airflow. Smoke the meat for 8-12 hours, rotating occasionally for even cooking. Use a meat probe to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for around 160°F during this initial stage. The bark formation—an exterior crust—signals good progress.
Wrapping or Braising
Once the meat hits 160°F, transfer it to a foil pan or slow cooker. Add liquid like apple cider, broth, or BBQ sauce to maintain moisture and enhance flavor. Cover tightly with foil or the lid, and continue cooking at a low temperature. This step, called the “stall,” helps break down collagen, making the meat tender. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F, which ensures the pork will pull apart easily.
Alternatively, you can skip this part and wrap the roast in butcher paper for the rest of the cook time.
Shredding
Allow the pork to rest for 30-60 minutes after removing it from heat. This helps the juices redistribute. Remove the bone—it should slide out cleanly—and discard excess fat or gristle. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix in some of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist. If additional seasoning is needed, sprinkle more rub or BBQ sauce at this stage.
Serving
Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns, topped with coleslaw for crunch and acidity. Offer a variety of sauces, like Carolina vinegar-based or Kansas City sweet BBQ, to suit different preferences. For gatherings, keeping the pork warm in a slow cooker ensures guests can serve themselves throughout the event. The meat can also be used for tacos, nachos, or as a pizza topping, making it versatile for leftovers.
What about leftovers?
The good thing about pulled pork is that it is just as easy to make two or three as it is to make one, so you might as well make a few and do some incredible things with the leftovers. The rest of this gallery will feature my favorite leftover pulled pork recipes!
Get the whole list: Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes
Pulled Pork Pizza
A twist on classic pizza, topped with tender pulled pork, a mix of cheeses, and sauces. It’s a hearty meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Pizza
Pulled Pork Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy, twice-baked potatoes meet savory pulled pork, topped with cheese and green onions. This dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite, making it ideal for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Twice Baked Potatoes
Smoked Pulled Pork Chili
A rich and smoky chili made with smoked pulled pork, beans, and spices. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for colder days or anytime you want a warm bowl of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Chili
Smoked Pulled Pork Fried Rice
Classic fried rice gets an upgrade with the smoky flavor of pulled pork. It’s a quick and easy dish that blends familiar comfort with something special.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Fried Rice
Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos
These nachos are loaded with smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Great for sharing, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, or a weekend snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips layered with tender pulled pork, melted cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and your choice of toppings. A hit for game days, movie nights, or any gathering.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Pulled Pork Burrito
Stuffed with tender pulled pork and other flavorful fillings, this burrito offers a satisfying meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Easy to make and great to take on the go.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Burrito
Smoked Pulled Pork Baked Beans
Smoked pulled pork and baked beans combine in this dish, perfect as a hearty side or BBQ centerpiece. It’s packed with smoky, savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Baked Beans
Traeger Pulled Pork Tortilla Soup
A flavorful soup blending pulled pork with tortilla soup ingredients like tomatoes, spices, and tortilla strips. It’s a warm, satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pulled Pork Tortilla Soup
Leftover Pulled Pork Sliders
Soft buns piled with juicy pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and crunchy slaw. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for parties, game day, or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Pulled Pork Sliders
Blackstone Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
Smoked pulled pork adds rich flavor to these tacos, making them a go-to for casual dinners or gatherings with friends. Easy to customize with toppings of your choice.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders
Bite-sized sliders filled with smoky pulled pork, ideal for parties or laid-back gatherings. They’re small, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled Pork Bowls with Avocado Slaw
A tasty bowl featuring pulled pork and a refreshing avocado slaw. This meal is easy to put together and makes a great option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Bowls with Avocado Slaw
Pulled Pork Apple Salad
A mix of pulled pork and apples creates a savory-sweet salad. It’s a refreshing yet filling choice for a light meal or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Apple Salad
Pulled Pork & Bleu Cheese Slaw Sandwich
Tender pulled pork paired with tangy bleu cheese slaw in a sandwich. It’s a bold, hearty option for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork & Bleu Cheese Slaw Sandwich
Mexican Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked pulled pork sliders flavored with green salsa. These easy-to-make bites bring a little spice to your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Pulled Pork Sliders
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Loaded with cheddar, pulled pork, and fresh toppings like onions and cilantro, these nachos are an easy crowd-pleaser. Add beans and corn to make them even more filling.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork
Sweet, slow-cooked balsamic pork served over cheesy polenta with a cilantro avocado crema. This dish offers a rich and cozy meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork
Pickled Pineapple BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Topped with pickled pineapple, these sandwiches bring together sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. They’re a fresh take on barbecue that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Pineapple BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich