Ultimate Pulled Pork Smoker Recipe for Traeger: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to barbecue, few dishes evoke the same level of mouthwatering anticipation as pulled pork. The combination of tender, flavorful meat paired wi……

When it comes to barbecue, few dishes evoke the same level of mouthwatering anticipation as pulled pork. The combination of tender, flavorful meat paired with a smoky aroma creates an irresistible dish that is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a quiet night in. If you're looking to elevate your barbecue game, this pulled pork smoker recipe traeger is the perfect choice. Not only will you impress your guests, but you'll also enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal from scratch.

### Understanding the Traeger Smoker

Traeger smokers are renowned for their ability to produce perfectly smoked meats with minimal effort. Using wood pellets as fuel, these smokers provide a consistent temperature and infuse your meat with rich, smoky flavors. The versatility of a Traeger makes it an ideal choice for smoking pulled pork, allowing you to achieve that coveted melt-in-your-mouth texture without the hassle of traditional smoking methods.

### Ingredients for Pulled Pork

To create the ultimate pulled pork smoker recipe traeger, you will need the following ingredients:

- **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)**: A 4-6 pound pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork. The marbling in the meat ensures that it remains juicy during the long cooking process.

- **Rub**: A blend of spices is essential for flavor. You can create your own rub using brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, store-bought rubs can also work well.

- **Apple Cider Vinegar**: This will be used for spritzing the pork during the smoking process, adding moisture and enhancing the flavor.

- **Barbecue Sauce**: A good quality barbecue sauce will be the finishing touch for your pulled pork. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.

### Preparing the Pork

1. **Trim the Fat**: Begin by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is necessary for flavor and moisture, too much can result in greasy pulled pork.

2. **Apply the Rub**: Generously coat the pork shoulder with your spice rub, ensuring that it is evenly covered. For best results, wrap the seasoned pork in plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight.

### Smoking Process

1. **Preheat Your Traeger**: Set your Traeger smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking method is essential for breaking down the collagen in the pork, resulting in tender meat.

2. **Add Wood Pellets**: Choose your favorite wood pellets for smoking. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood are popular choices for pulled pork, each imparting a unique flavor.

3. **Smoke the Pork**: Place the pork shoulder directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Smoke the pork for about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). This may take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the pork shoulder.

4. **Spritzing**: Every hour or so, spritz the pork with apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.

5. **Wrapping**: Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C), consider wrapping it in butcher paper or aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and speed up the cooking process, a technique known as the "Texas Crutch."

### Finishing Touches

Once your pork shoulder has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is flavorful and juicy.

After resting, shred the pork using two forks or your hands, discarding any large pieces of fat. Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please.

### Conclusion

This pulled pork smoker recipe traeger is sure to become a staple in your barbecue repertoire. With its tantalizing flavors and tender texture, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy your delicious creation with buns, coleslaw, or simply on its own – the possibilities are endless!