Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt Recipe

This mouthwatering Barbecued Pork Shoulder recipe, slow-cooked to perfection on your charcoal grill, will have your neighbors lining up for a taste! The smoky hickory aroma will drift for hours, creating an irresistible feast for the senses. Perfect for a relaxing day at home, this recipe allows you to multitask – whether catching a game, watching a movie, or simply enjoying the incredible smell. Prepare for an unforgettable BBQ experience!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 255 mins
Calories 611.5 kcal
Protein 131g
Rating Be the first
Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt 223

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt

  • 1 (5-6 lb) boneless pork shoulder roast or 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in pork shoulder roast (Boston butt)
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup hickory chips
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard (yellow or spicy brown)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • garlic powder, liberally
  • onion powder, liberally
  • paprika, liberally

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt

  1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer for moisture.
  2. Season generously: Rub the pork shoulder liberally with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar.
  3. Prepare the Hickory Chips: Soak approximately 1 cup of hickory wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  4. Set up your grill: Prepare your charcoal grill for indirect heat. Create a two-zone fire, with hot coals on one side and a cooler zone on the other.
  5. Sear the Pork Shoulder: Place the pork shoulder on the hot side of the grill and sear all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
  6. Slow Cook: Move the pork shoulder to the cooler side of the grill. Add soaked hickory chips to the coals to create smoke.
  7. Maintain Temperature: Maintain a consistent grill temperature of around 250°F (121°C) for approximately 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190-195°F (88-91°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
  8. Wrap and Continue Cooking: Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), tightly wrap the pork shoulder in aluminum foil. Return it to the grill and continue to cook until it reaches 190-195°F (88-91°C).
  9. Rest and Shred: Remove the pork shoulder from the grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding with two forks.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded pork shoulder on buns, with your favorite BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and other desired toppings.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

24 g

Sugar

110g

Fat

54g

Carbs

9g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt?

Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt takes about 285 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 255 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt?

Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt has approximately 611.5 calories per serving, with about 131 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates and 37 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt?

The key ingredients for Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt are Pork Roast, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Butter, Brown Sugar, Ketchup. See the full list with measurements above.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!

Write a Review