Don’t have a smoker but craving that delicious smoked pulled pork? No problem! With a small grill and a two-zone fire setup, you can achieve mouthwatering results. Here’s how to master the art of smoking pork shoulder on a small grill:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pork Shoulder
To maximize flavor, start with a dry brine. At least 4 hours before cooking (overnight is even better), generously salt the pork shoulder and place it in the fridge. Using a bacon rack is recommended to ensure good airflow around the meat. When the Pork is ready, now its time to put your favority barbeque rub on it while the grill is heating.
Step 2: Set Up Your Grill
- Create a Two-Zone Fire: Arrange all the charcoal on one side of the grill to create a hot zone and a cooler zone.
- Adjust the Vents: Close the vents almost completely to maintain a temperature of around 250 degrees Fahrenheit on the cooler side of the grill.
Step 3: Smoke the Pork
- Place on Grill: Position the pork shoulder on the cooler side of the grill.
- Smoke Away: Smoke the pork shoulder at a rate of approximately 1.5 hours per pound of meat. This low and slow method allows the meat to absorb smoky goodness while becoming tender and juicy.
Step 4: Basting (Optional but Recommended)
While some prefer to leave the pork shoulder unwrapped for crispy bits, I recommend a no-wrap method combined with a flavorful baste to prevent dryness. Here’s my go-to basting mix for pulled pork:
- 8 ounces vegetable oil
- 4 ounces apple cider vinegar
- 4 ounces apple juice
- 2 tablespoons of the same rub used for seasoning the pork shoulder
Step 5: Baste Regularly
After the first couple of hours of smoking, start applying the baste every 45 minutes to an hour. Focus on any portions of the meat that look dry to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Once the internal temperature of the pork shoulder reaches around 203 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to take it off the grill. Let it rest for a while before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute.
Conclusion
Smoking pulled pork shoulder on a small grill is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. With a bit of preparation and these simple techniques, you’ll be serving up delicious pulled pork that rivals any made on a larger smoker. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your grilling prowess!
For more tips, tricks, and recipes, visit BBQEquip.com and turn your small grill into a smoking powerhouse!
