How Long to Smoke Pork Shoulder at 225F

Jump to Recipe
How Long to Smoke Pork Shoulder at 225F - Cuso Cuts

How long to smoke pork shoulder 225

You look at the size of a pork shoulder roast and think, “wow” how can I use all that meat (12-18 pounds whole!)? Thankfully, smoked pork is fit for many flavorful uses, including

What is Pork Shoulder?

Pork shoulder (and Pork Butt) both come from the pig’s shoulder. It’s a budget-friendly meat perfectly suited to braising, Instant Pot, and of course, smoking and barbecue. Generally, it’s sold with a layer of fat on top. If you love crisp kin, pork shoulder is your cooking buddy.

When your smoker is set at 225, you can figure out how long to cook it. One to two hours is a  good starting point. Stop and check the temperature. You’re looking for 180F for slicing meat and 195 for pulled pork. If your shoulder is boneless, cook for 1-1 ½ hours per pound. For bone, cook it 1 ½ l- 2 pounds per hour. 

Tip: Bone-in pork shoulder takes slightly longer to cook. 

Factoid: 225F is the preferred temperature for most pork cuts, including butt, ribs, and loin

Why Use the Smoker?

The fat cap on pork shoulder and the connective tissue make it an ideal contender for smoking. Cooking pork shoulder too quickly, you end up with tough meat. As the pork shoulder smokes, the fat renders, and the collagen becomes like gelatin. This is a built-in benefit pork shoulder offers.

As an example, a 5-pound pork shoulder takes 7-8 hours to fully cook at 225 a 7 pound piece taks 9-12 hours.. Keep watch on your smoker. If it starts running hot, set the temperature to 200F

Tip: Don’t be tempted to peek in the smoker a lot. It increases cooking time.

PitMaster’s Memo

When you want to produce the best pork shoulder, you need a quality product. Get to know your butcher who can offer suggestions. Believe it or not, Costco and Sam’s Club have really good products at great prices. 

Take a look at the wrapping on your selection. If it’s loose, it’s been exposed to air. Look for another piece. The meat should also be firm with relatively even marbling. Get it directly into your refrigerator when you get home. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before smoking. 

Sides

  • Apple Slaw
  • Green Beans with Mushrooms
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Pesto Squash
  • Tostadas

From the Bar 

  • American pale ale
  • Bourbon Lemonade
  • Chianti red
  • Cranberry ginger ale
  • Grenache
Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Seasonings & BBQ Rubs, Handmade Chef Knives

Check us on Instagram @Cusocuts