Why is my smoked pork shoulder tough?

If you don't cook the connective tissue properly, it will be tough and rubbery. The connective tissue has to break down and literally melt away in the meat. This takes time. but when it's done, the meat should fall apart by itself.

How do you fix a tough smoked pork shoulder?

Pork that isn't shredding due to undercooked meat is easier to fix. Just put the meat back on the smoker until it's reached at least 195 degrees. Let it rest for at least 45 minutes, then attempt to shred it again.

Does pork shoulder get more tender the longer it cooks?

Unlike the more lean tenderloin and chops, pork shoulder is an incredibly forgiving cut of meat. It becomes more tender as it cooks and benefits from a lengthy cook time, so even if it stays on the heat a few minutes too long, you won't suddenly end up with something dry or rubbery.

Can you overcook a pork shoulder in a smoker?

In a word, yes. If pork shoulder or pork butt is allowed to cook past 210 degrees or so, the meat will begin to dry out. This will affect the quality of your pulled pork, even if you smother the meat in barbecue sauce before serving it.

How do you tenderize a tough pork shoulder?

Slow-Cooking the Pork

A low, steady temperature cooks pork shoulder the best works to tenderize a pork shoulder. To slow-cook, place the pork shoulder in a Dutch oven or another heavy pot, then pour enough broth, beer, or other liquid to partially submerge the meat.

How to Smoke Pork Butt / How to Make Pulled Pork Recipe

Why did my pulled pork come out tough?

If you don't cook the connective tissue properly, it will be tough and rubbery. The connective tissue has to break down and literally melt away in the meat. This takes time. but when it's done, the meat should fall apart by itself.

How do you fix tough pork?

What temperature does pulled pork fall apart?

Return pork to the grill (or smoker) The pork is finished cooking when it pulls apart easily and reaches an internal temperature of 190 to 195 degrees F, about another 1 to 2 hours. Let rest for 1 hour, then unwrap the pork butt and pull the bone out.

How long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder at 225?

At 225, figure roughly 2 hours per pound of meat, so the same piece of smoked pork shoulder takes from 12- 16 hours at 225. There are a lot of factors in how long it takes, including the humidity in the air, how consistent the grill holds temperature, the outside temperature, and more.

Why is my smoked meat tough?

If your smoker gets too hot, it will dry out your meat. Heat forces the moisture in the meat to evaporate. It's normal for some moisture to be released during the smoking process, but if you lose too much moisture, your meat will be dry and tough.

How long does it take for pork shoulder to become tender?

Cook for 2 to 4 hours, until fork tender.

The pork is done when it is fork-tender (when the meat can be easily pierced with a fork without resistance and easily falls apart with a little pressure). If you're cooking pork on the bone, the meat should be falling off the bone.

Can you overcook pulled pork?

Can you overcook the pork? It's hard to overcook the well-marbled and fatty shoulder cut. However, it can become mushy due to the acids in the sauce if the cooking continues too long beyond the recommended cook times. Make sure to keep an eye on the pork and take a bite for the best gauge of doneness.

How do you fix overcooked pork shoulder?

How do you salvage overcooked pulled pork? To save overcooked pulled pork, you can put it in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably wrapped in tin foil. This process will help reabsorb some of the moisture and pull the pork back to a more desirable texture. You can also turn to a good sauce or moist toppings.

How do you soften pulled pork?

To moisten leftover pulled pork, place it in an aluminum pan, smother it in broth, cider, or juice, then slide it in a 300°F oven until it's hot and steamy. You can, of course, do this in a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel pan over medium heat on your gas grill or the stovetop.

Does smoking meat longer make it more tender?

Smoking meat truly does change the way the meat cooks and has a dramatic effect on the overall flavor. When smoking meat for long periods of time, the smoke breaks down collagen (a tough muscle tissue protein) making the meat more tender. This is an effect that does not occur when simply grilling meat.

Should I smoke a pork shoulder at 225 or 250?

Also, bear in mind that the recommended temperature for making smoked pulled pork is 225 degrees. When the smoker is set to this temperature, you can expect it to take as long as two hours per pound before it's done.

Should I wrap pork shoulder in foil when smoking?

Wrap in aluminum foil to keep the meat from getting too much smoke and to catch the moisture being released during the cooking process.

How often should you spritz pork shoulder?

At what temp does pork shoulder stall?

The stall occurs when the pork butt has reached an internal temperature between 150 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, the meat will appear to stop cooking for several hours. You have two options: Either wait it out, or enlist in a shortcut to hasten the process.

What temp should I pull my pork shoulder?

195 degrees is an acceptable temperature for pulled pork. That said, we would recommend waiting until the thermometer reads 202 degrees. The extra time will make your shredding duties go much more smoothly, and the meat will retain its moisture and rich texture. Happy grilling!

How long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder at 250?

How long to smoke a pork shoulder or pork butt? The cook time for pork shoulder is around 90 minutes per pound in a 250° F smoker. A 4-pound pork shoulder will take approximately 6 hours. A 9-pound pork shoulder will take approximately 13 ½ hours.

How do you make tough meat tender after cooking?

Simmering in a little bit of liquid or broth is a great way to tenderize. Acidity can also be your friend here. A little bit of vinegar and lemon juice in the liquid can help you tenderize the meat.

Why is my slow cooked pork shoulder tough?

Why is meat still tough in the slow cooker? It's because you haven't let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.