Dangerous Duos: Pulled Pork
This smoked pork butt recipe combines Ranch & Rifle’s BBQ Rub for savory depth and their Hot Honey Rub for a touch of sweet heat, resulting in a mouthwatering, juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish. The pellet grill infuses a smokey flavor that enhances the pork's rich seasoning for an unforgettable barbecue experience.
Ingredients
Pork Butt: 8-10 pounds, bone-in
Yellow Mustard: 2-3 tbsp (to help the rub adhere)
Ranch & Rifle’s BBQ Rub: 3 tbsp
Ranch & Rifle’s Hot Honey Rub: 3 tbsp
Apple Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ cup (for spritzing, optional)
For Serving:
BBQ Sauce: optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
Preheat the Pellet Grill
Set your pellet grill to 225°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes to ensure a steady smoking temperature. Applewood or hickory pellets work great for pork, adding a subtle, sweet smokiness.
Prepare the Pork Butt
Pat the pork butt dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Rub a thin layer of yellow mustard over the entire pork butt to help the rub stick.
First, coat the pork with Ranch & Rifle’s BBQ Rub, pressing it into the meat to create a base layer of flavor.
Then, generously sprinkle Ranch & Rifle’s Hot Honey Rub over the top to add a touch of sweetness and mild heat. Ensure all sides are thoroughly covered.
Smoke the Pork Butt
Place the pork butt directly on the grill grates, fat side up. Close the lid and smoke at 225°F for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Every 1 hour, spritz the pork with apple juice or apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
Wrap
Wrap the pork butt in foil or butcher paper once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Rest the Pork Butt
Once the pork reaches 195-205°F, remove it from the grill. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Shred and Serve
After resting, unwrap the pork remove the bone and use it to chop and shred the meat. Mixing the bark into the shredded meat for added texture and flavor.
Serve with BBQ sauce if desired or as-is to enjoy the full flavor of the rubs.
Tips
Temperature Accuracy: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the pork butt to achieve the perfect tenderness.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy the pulled pork on buns, tacos, or on a plate with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.
This smoked pork butt combines the best of Ranch & Rifle’s BBQ and Hot Honey Rubs, offering a rich, smoky flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
Enjoy!