Smoked Pork Butt Recipe (No-Fail Tender Pulled Pork Every Time)

Easy smoked pork butt recipe smoked at 225–250°F for juicy pulled pork. Includes times, temps, and mopping sauce.

Course Main

Cuisine barbecue & grilling

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 16

Total Time 16 10

Servings Servings

Calories 249

5 pound bone-in pork butt or shoulder , larger may be used, see time calculation
1/4 cup Barbecue Dry Rub , homemade or store-bought
1 cup Carolina mopping sauce or Apple juice
wood chips (apple, cherry, Hickory or pecan); pre-soaked for 1/2 hour before use

Preheat smoker to 225°F to 250°F.
Trim the fat cap on the pork butt/shoulder to 1/4 inch thickness.
Season the pork butt heavily with the dry rub (optional) and place inside the smoker.
Add 2 handfuls of wood chips into the cup of the electric smoker or onto the hot coals.
Smoke the meat for approximately 1 to 2 hours per pound depending on the temperature of the smoker [see notes below].
Replace wood chips for smoke as they run out for an intense smoky flavor.
After the first 4 hours, begin spritzing down the meat with Carolina Moping Sauce or Apple juice every two hours.
Cook until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195 °F - 205 °F (pulled pork).
Remove from the slow cooker and allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes.
Pull pork apart using two forks or otherwise chop as desired.
Serve plain or with your favorite sauce(s).

Plan ahead: Smoked pork butt takes time — allow 1½–2 hours per pound and cook to temperature, not the clock.
Target doneness: Pork is ready to pull when it reaches 195–205°F and probes with little resistance.
Rest before shredding: Let the pork rest 15–20 minutes to retain juices.
Moisture tip: Lightly baste with mopping sauce or apple juice during the smoke to prevent surface drying.
Wood choice matters: Apple or cherry for mild sweetness; hickory for stronger smoke flavor.
Serving note: Best shredded while warm; add a splash of reserved juices or sauce if needed.
Make-ahead friendly: Smoked pork butt reheats well and is ideal for meal prep or parties.