Cooking a perfectly juicy and tender pork butt can be tricky, especially when you’re unsure what temperature to pull it from the grill or oven.
But even with ideal roasting temperatures, there is still one more crucial step – knowing when to pull the meat off its heat source, so it doesn’t overcook and become tough!
This blog post will cover how to use a thermometer correctly, why specific temperatures matter when deciding when to remove your meat from the heat source, and mouthwatering ways to serve your tasty pit-roasted pork butt.
Read on as we dive into all things pulled (pork) after answering probably the most asked question, “what temp do I pull my pork butt at?”
What Temp To Pull Pork Butt?
Pulling pork butt is an art that requires just the right combination of attention to detail and practice.
Regarding cooking temperature, most chefs believe the perfect internal temperature for tender, juicy pork butt is 205F.
Going higher or lower has its pros and cons.
Finding the sweet spot between 195 and 205F will ensure your pork shoulder is cooked correctly while preserving its delicious juicy flavor!
What Should The Pulled Pork Internal Temp Be?
When carefully making pulled pork, there are a few essential guidelines to bear in mind.
It’s important that the thermometer is inserted deep into the pork and away from any bones, as they will give an inaccurate temperature reading.
Once the pork reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you may gently pull apart the meat with two forks or your fingers until it becomes soft and shreds into smaller pieces.
If the internal temperature of your pulled pork does not remain steady at 195-205 degrees for more than four hours, it is best to remove it from the heat and discard it.
These simple steps will ensure a safe, delicious pulled pork dish every time!
What Is Cut Of Meat Best For Pulled Pork?
1- Butt
The Butt is the most common cut of meat used for pulled pork.
It is a relatively tough cut of heart but also very flavorful. The Butt contains a lot of connective tissue, which helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.
2- Shoulder
The Shoulder is another popular cut of meat for pulled pork.
It is a bit more expensive, but it is also more tender. The Shoulder contains less fat than the Butt, making it drier if not cooked properly.
3- Ribs
Ribs are sometimes used for pulled pork, although they are not as joint as the Shoulder or Butt.
Ribs are very fatty, which can make them difficult to cook correctly. If you use ribs for pulled pork, trim any excess fat before cooking.
Also Read: When To Wrap Pork Butt – Here’s What You Need to Know
How To Make Pulled Pork Butt
Begin by rubbing the outside of the pork with a homemade dry rub made of seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt.
Place the rub-covered pork in a slow cooker with 1/2 cup of chicken stock and let the appliance do all the hard work.
After six to eight hours, the pork will be tender enough to shred easily with two forks, freeing you to enjoy your leisurely day while dinner cooks itself.
Suggested accompaniments are barbecue sauces and either brioche or soft white rolls to make delicious pulled pork sandwiches!
At What Temperature Will A Pork Butt Stall?
To achieve perfectly cooked succulent meat, it’s essential to understand when the pork butt stalls.
Generally speaking, pork butt will stall between 150 – 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
That means it has stalled if the roast’s internal temperature doesn’t budge from that range for over an hour, despite raising the cooker temperature.
Thankfully there are techniques such as wrapping in foil to help cook it through this stubborn phase.
Overlooking this fact could cause disappointment with how tough and dry your slow-cooked pork ends up being.
Is It Better To Cook Pulled Pork On High Or Low?
Generally speaking, slow cooking on low heat produces the most luxurious results — the pork should end up tender yet succulent, with delicious natural flavors and intense juices.
On the other hand, high-heat pulled pork tends to be less juicy and can even become chewy if not cooked for a long enough period.
Therefore, low and slow cooking time appears to be the best method for perfecting pulled pork so everyone around you can have an unforgettable experience.
What Temp To Cook Pulled Pork In A Smoker?
To enjoy delicious pulled pork butt perfectly cooked in a smoker, smoking the meat at a consistently low temperature is essential.
If temperatures get too hot and you exceed 300 degrees Fahrenheit, your pork will likely become overcooked and tough.
Monitor the temperature closely throughout the process, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, succulent pulled pork butt!
How To Shred Pulled Pork?
There are many ways to shred your pulled pork, including using a stand mixer, food processor, or even a fork.
Your pork quantity and the desired texture determine the best technique to shred your pulled pork.
Here are four different ways to shred your pulled pork:
1- Stand Mixer:
If you have a lot of pulled pork and want it to be perfectly shredded, then a stand mixer is the way to go.
Place the pork in the bowl of the mixer and turn it on to low speed.
The paddle attachment will do all the work for you, and you’ll end up with perfectly shredded pork in no time.
2- Food Processor:
If you have a little less pulled pork or want a chunkier texture, then using a food processor is a great option.
Place the pork in the processor’s bowl and pulse until it reaches the desired consistency.
Avoid going overboard to avoid having mushy pork.
3- Fork:
For those who don’t have a stand mixer or food processor, don’t worry – you can still easily shred your pulled pork with just a fork!
Lay the pork on a cutting board and shred it with two forks. This method will take a bit longer than a machine, but it’s still straightforward.
4- Knife:
If you want your pulled pork to be in larger pieces, then using a knife is the way to go.
Place the pork on a cutting board and chop it into chunks with a sharp knife.
This method is excellent if you use pulled pork for something like tacos, where you want more significant pieces of meat.
7 Steps To The Perfect Pulled Pork
Choose the proper cut of pork. You want a pork cut with enough fat for pulled pork. The meat will remain delicious and moist as a result.
The Shoulder or Butt is the most significant pig cut for pulled pork.
1- Season the pork:
Once you have chosen your cut of pork, it’s time to season it. You can strengthen whichever you like, but we suggest a straightforward rub of salt, pepper, and paprika.
2- Preheat the oven:
Before you start cooking the pork, you need to preheat your oven. You’ll want to set it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
3- Set the oven to bake the pork:
The pork should be placed in a roasting pan and on the stove once it has been prepared.
4- Cook for 3-4 hours:
Depending on the size of your pork, you’ll want to cook it for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is incredibly soft, and the internal temperature hits 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
5- Remove from the oven and let rest:
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with a fork or cutting it into small pieces.
6- Serve with your favorite sides:
Pulled pork is delicious, but it’s even better when served with delicious sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
FAQs
Is Pulled Pork Done At 190?
This ensures that the pork has been cooked long enough to bring out its full flavor and keep it tender while ensuring any pathogens have been killed.
Some people prefer a slightly higher temperature of up to 200 degrees, further developing the taste, but anything over 205 will be on the dry side.
Can You Pull Pulled Pork At 200?
For the best results, many chefs suggest aiming for a temperature of 195-205 F when cooking pulled pork, ensuring it is tender and succulent with plenty of flavors.
What Is The Danger Zone For Pulled Pork?
The danger zone for pulled pork is between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit, where bacteria can multiply quickly.
This is especially dangerous for slow-cooked meats like pulled pork, as it can take several hours to reach low enough temperatures.
Is 205 Too Hot For Pulled Pork?
When cooked at such a high temperature, the exterior of the roast can dry out quickly if left in for too long, leaving you with an unsatisfactory slab of meat.
To achieve both a flavorful and tender pulled pork roast regardless of internal temp, it is crucial to prepare it properly before placing it in your slow cooker or oven.
Is 210 Too High For Pulled Pork?
Some chefs argue that 210 Fahrenheit is too hot as this can dry or burn the meat and that cooking pulled pork at lower temperatures, like 195, produces better texture and juiciness.
Others claim that the higher temperature most effectively breaks down the connective tissues in tougher cuts of meat, such as those often used for pulled pork, creating an even more tender and succulent dish.
Is 250 Too High For Pulled Pork?
While it can be tempting to cook the pork until it disintegrates, it’s important to remember that 250 degrees Fahrenheit is too high for pulled pork.
It shredding at higher temperatures results in dry, crumbly meat with a tough texture that can be less than appetizing.
Is 275 Too High For Pulled Pork?
With a recommended serving temperature touching the higher side of the 195-205 range, many connoisseurs feel that 275 might be too high for pulled pork.
If you get cooking with coal and smoke your pork at this temperature, you’ll likely end up with charred, overdone meat that can take away from your mealtime experience.
Can You Take Pulled Pork Off At 195?
Pulled pork is often cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
Doing so will ensure that any bacteria that may have been present in the pork have been killed, making it safe to eat.
Additionally, this temperature will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to pull apart.
Can I Cook Pulled Pork At 300?
Cooking pulled pork at 300 degrees is not ideal, as it does not allow the pork to cook slowly and evenly, two essential components of making delicious pulled pork.
To get the same tender, juicy texture that people expect from a good plate of pulled pork, temperatures must be lowered to 205 degrees.
It might take a bit longer, but the result will be well worth the wait.
Is Pulled Pork Still Good If Left Out Overnight?
If left out overnight, pulled pork can quickly become unsafe to eat.
After two hours of refrigeration, any cooked meat should be thrown away.
This is due to the potential for bacterial growth in the heart, which increases significantly when not kept at a safe temperature.
To ensure that your pulled pork will be safe to enjoy even after being left out overnight, consider investing in an insulated lunch box that helps keep food cold and can even warm dishes up!
What Temp Pull Pork Shoulder?
Pulled pork shoulder is perfect whenever you need to feed a crowd.
When cooked at the right temperature, it yields succulent pulled pork every time!
This process should take 8-12 hours in the oven or up to 20 hours in a slow cooker.
Depending on the size of the roast, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure you are hitting that desired temperature for maximum juiciness and fall-apart texture.
What Temp To Pull Pork Belly?
The temperature you should aim for when pulling pork belly is around 200°F. It’s important not to go too high.
Otherwise, the meat could dry out.
If your heat is set at too low a temperature, there’s a risk of the pork still having some uncooked fat inside.
Conclusion
Pulling pork butt can take a long time, so knowing the ideal temperature is essential to ensure your hard work pays off.
Many people say 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot when it comes to pulled pork. The shoulders will become easy to shred and tender enough to avoid any texture issues.
To ensure you reach this optimal temperature, use a digital thermometer and measure it in different areas for a more accurate reading. You’ll be so glad you did!
Also Read: Best Temp To Smoke Brisket (Timing, Temp & Wrapping)