Rest, Shred, and Serve Pork Butt
At 14:44 in
Traeger Pork Butt Recipe
What happens here
Once the internal temperature of the pork butt reaches approximately 180-181°F and it is very tender (the probe slides in easily, and the bone can be pulled out without resistance), remove it from the smoker. Keep it tightly wrapped in the aluminum foil pan and allow it to rest for a period (e.g., in a cooler or an empty oven) to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor. After resting, carefully unwrap the pork butt. Using a fork, gently pull the bone out of the meat; it should slide out effortlessly if fully cooked. Begin shredding the pork butt using two forks or bear claws. Observe the pink smoke ring just under the bark, indicating successful smoking. Taste a piece to confirm the flavor and tenderness. Separate the au jus (meat drippings) from the shredded pork, removing any excess fat. The au jus can be saved and added back to the meat or used as a flavorful sauce. Serve the pulled pork as desired, with or without barbecue sauce.
Goal: After cooking, the pork butt is rested, the bone is removed, and the meat is shredded, revealing a delicious smoke ring.
Tools and materials
- Fork
- Knife
- Cooked Pork Butt
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