Ready to become a backyard BBQ hero? Cooking a Boston butt (also known as pork shoulder) on the grill is a surefire way to impress your friends and family with tender, flavorful pulled pork. It might seem intimidating, but with the right technique and a little patience, you can achieve smoky, melt-in-your-mouth results. Let’s break down how to cook a Boston butt on the grill, step by delicious step.
Contents
What You’ll Need
- Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder): Aim for a 6-8 pound roast.
- Your Favorite BBQ Rub: Use a store-bought blend or make your own.
- Grill: Charcoal, gas, or pellet grill will work.
- Wood Chips (Optional): For extra smoky flavor. Hickory, apple, or mesquite are great choices.
- Meat Thermometer: Essential for ensuring proper doneness.
- Aluminum Foil or Butcher Paper: For wrapping the butt during cooking.
- Spray Bottle with Apple Cider Vinegar or Water: For spritzing the pork.
Step-by-Step Guide: Grilling Your Boston Butt
1. Prep the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the Boston butt, but don’t go overboard – you want to leave some fat to render and keep the pork moist. Generously apply your BBQ rub all over the butt, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Wrap the seasoned pork tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. Get Your Grill Ready
The key to grilling a Boston butt is low and slow cooking. You’ll want to maintain a consistent temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C).
- For a Charcoal Grill: Use the snake method or set up a two-zone fire, with coals on one side and an empty space on the other. This allows for indirect cooking. Add wood chips to the coals for smoke.
- For a Gas Grill: Preheat the grill with burners on one side set to low or medium-low. Aim for that 225-250°F temperature. Use a smoker box or foil pouch to add wood chips near the heat source.
- For a Pellet Grill: Simply preheat the grill to 225-250°F.
3. Start Cooking
Place the Boston butt on the grill grates, away from the direct heat. Close the lid and maintain the temperature. Insert a leave-in thermometer into the thickest part of the butt to monitor its internal temperature.
4. Spritz and Smoke
Every hour or so, spritz the Boston butt with apple cider vinegar or water. This helps keep the surface moist and promotes smoke absorption. If using wood chips, replenish them as needed to maintain a consistent smoke flavor.
5. The Stall and the Wrap
Around 150-170°F (66-77°C), the Boston butt will likely experience “the stall,” where the internal temperature plateaus. This is due to evaporative cooling. To overcome this, wrap the butt tightly in aluminum foil or butcher paper. This will help it power through the stall and continue cooking.
6. Finish Cooking
Continue cooking the wrapped Boston butt until it reaches an internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C). This is when the connective tissue has broken down, and the pork is incredibly tender.
7. Rest
Once the Boston butt reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest, still wrapped, for at least 1-2 hours. This is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist pulled pork. You can rest it in a cooler wrapped in towels to hold the temperature longer.
8. Shred and Enjoy
After resting, unwrap the Boston butt and shred the pork using two forks or meat claws. Discard any large pieces of fat or bone. Mix the shredded pork with any remaining juices from the foil or butcher paper. Serve on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce and sides.
Tips for Grilling a Perfect Boston Butt
- Don’t Rush: Low and slow is the name of the game. Be patient and let the pork cook properly.
- Monitor Temperature: A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked pork will be dry. Aim for that 200-205°F sweet spot.
- Experiment with Rubs and Wood Chips: Find your favorite flavor combinations.
- Rest is Key: Don’t skip the resting period!
FAQ
- How long does it take to cook a Boston butt on the grill?
- It can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the butt and the temperature of your grill.
- What temperature should my grill be for cooking a Boston butt?
- Maintain a consistent temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C).
- Do I have to wrap the Boston butt?
- Wrapping helps overcome the stall and speeds up the cooking process, but it’s optional. If you prefer a thicker bark, you can skip the wrap, but it will take longer to cook.
- What wood chips are best for smoking a Boston butt?
- Hickory, apple, and mesquite are all great choices. Experiment to find your favorite.
- Can I use a gas grill to cook a Boston butt?
- Yes, you can use a gas grill. Just make sure to set it up for indirect cooking and use a smoker box or foil pouch to add wood chips for smoke flavor.
Cooking a Boston butt on the grill is an adventure in flavor and patience. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most delicious pulled pork you’ve ever tasted. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound BBQ skills!