If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering dish, look no further than a perfectly smoked green egg pork butt. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork butt that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving some delicious pulled pork, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Green Egg Pork Butt Ingredients
To make a delicious green egg pork butt, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pork Butt:
- 4-6 pounds pork butt (also known as pork shoulder)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
For Serving:
- Buns (for pulled pork sandwiches)
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 hours (depending on the size of the pork butt)
- Total Time: 8-12 hours 15 minutes
Green Egg Pork Butt: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Butt
- Trim the Fat: Start by trimming excess fat from the pork butt, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor.
- Make the Rub: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Apply the Rub: Rub the olive oil all over the pork butt, then generously apply the spice mixture, ensuring it covers all sides.
Step 2: Preheat the Green Egg
- Set Up the Grill: Prepare your Big Green Egg for indirect cooking by placing a plate setter or heat deflector in the grill.
- Preheat: Preheat the grill to 225°F (107°C). Use your favorite wood chips (like hickory or apple) for added flavor.
Step 3: Smoke the Pork Butt
- Place the Pork Butt: Once the grill reaches the desired temperature, place the pork butt on the grill grate, fat side up.
- Spritzing: After the first hour, spritz the pork butt with apple cider vinegar every hour to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Close the lid and let the pork butt smoke for 8-12 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) for pull-apart tenderness.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Meat: Once the pork butt is done, remove it from the grill and wrap it in aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Shred the Pork: After resting, shred the pork using two forks or meat claws. Serve on buns with coleslaw and barbecue sauce if desired.
Green Egg Pork Butt Cooking Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends or wood chips to customize the flavor of your pork butt.
- Plan Ahead: Smoking a pork butt takes time, so plan your cooking schedule accordingly. It’s best to start the night before if you want to serve it for lunch.
Green Egg Pork Butt: Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on a 4-ounce serving of pulled pork without sauce):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
Green Egg Pork Butt: Storage Advice
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Green Egg Pork Butt Variations
- Spicy Green Egg Pork Butt: Add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the rub for a spicier kick.
- Sweet and Tangy: Mix in some apple juice or pineapple juice with the apple cider vinegar for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Different Cuts: While pork butt is ideal, you can also use pork shoulder or even beef brisket for a different take.
FAQ: Green Egg Pork Butt
1. What is a pork butt?
A pork butt, also known as pork shoulder, is a cut of meat from the upper part of the pig’s front leg. It is well-marbled with fat, making it ideal for slow cooking and smoking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
2. How long does it take to smoke a pork butt on a Green Egg?
The smoking time for a pork butt on a Big Green Egg typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the meat and the cooking temperature. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness.
3. What temperature should I smoke the pork butt at?
For the best results, smoke the pork butt at a low temperature of around 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking method allows the fat to render and the connective tissues to break down, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
4. Can I use a different type of grill?
Yes, while this recipe is tailored for the Big Green Egg, you can use any smoker or grill that allows for indirect cooking. Just ensure you maintain a consistent low temperature and use wood chips for smoking.
5. What wood chips are best for smoking pork?
Popular wood chips for smoking pork include hickory, apple, cherry, and pecan. Each type of wood imparts a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
6. How do I know when the pork butt is done?
The best way to determine if the pork butt is done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 195°F (90°C) for pulled pork. Additionally, the meat should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
7. Can I prepare the pork butt in advance?
Yes! You can rub the pork butt with spices the night before and let it marinate in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before smoking.
8. What should I serve with pulled pork?
Pulled pork is versatile and can be served in various ways. Common accompaniments include:
- Buns for sandwiches
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Macaroni and cheese
9. How do I store leftover pulled pork?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
10. Can I use a different cut of meat?
While pork butt is the preferred cut for smoking due to its fat content and flavor, you can also use pork shoulder or even beef brisket. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the cut you choose.
11. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar, such as white vinegar or red wine vinegar. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water or juice for a different flavor profile.
12. How can I make my pulled pork spicier?
To add heat to your pulled pork, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub or add your favorite hot sauce to the meat before serving. You can also serve it with spicy barbecue sauce.
13. What is the best way to reheat pulled pork?
The best way to reheat pulled pork is to place it in a covered dish in the oven at 250°F (121°C) until warmed through. You can also add a splash of broth or barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
14. Can I make this recipe in an oven?
Yes, you can make a pork butt in the oven. Season the meat as directed and cook it in a roasting pan at 225°F (107°C) for several hours until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
15. What is the difference between pulled pork and sliced pork?
Pulled pork is made by shredding the meat into pieces after cooking, resulting in a tender, stringy texture. Sliced pork, on the other hand, is cut into thick slices and is typically less tender than pulled pork. The cooking method and internal temperature can affect the final texture.
Conclusion
Now that you have the ultimate guide to making a delicious green egg pork butt, it’s time to fire up your grill and get cooking! This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just a weekend treat. Don’t forget to share your results and any variations you try. Happy smoking!
Have you tried this green egg pork butt recipe? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know how it turned out!
