Pulled Pork Temperature

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When cooked just right, pork butt or shoulder just pulls apart with a fork. So tender and juicy, pulled pork is a mouthwatering way to serve this meat and barbecue fans are well aware of this already. The key is knowing when the pork is “done.” The most important part of acing this style of cooking is to check the internal temperature.

When cooked just right, pork butt or shoulder just pulls apart with a fork. So tender and juicy, pulled pork is a mouthwatering way to serve this meat and barbecue fans are well aware of this already. The key is knowing when the pork is “done.” The most important part of acing this style of cooking is to check the internal temperature.
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Here are our best tips for preparing the perfect pulled pork every single time!

Pulled Pork Internal Temp

To be sure the pork is safe to eat, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. But if you’re aiming for perfect pulled pork, you’re not done yet.

The pork butt and shoulder are tough cuts of meat, so it’s important to cook them for a long time at a low temperature to tenderize them. Slow cooking will break down the collagen in the meat into gelatin. It has a deep, intense flavor that leaner cuts just won’t be able to offer, so it’s worth the wait.

Pork butt should cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F. This is when it will become tender enough to pull apart effortlessly. Cook it from 200°F to 205°F for an even softer result. It’s always good to give the meat a little extra time to cook as long as you don’t overcook it on the grill.

If you are short on time and need to speed up the cooking process, you can increase the oven temperature to 325°F and reduce your cooking time by at least 2 to 3 hours. Wrapping the pork butt can also save a little bit more cooking time. 

When cooked just right, pork butt or shoulder just pulls apart with a fork. So tender and juicy, pulled pork is a mouthwatering way to serve this meat and barbecue fans are well aware of this already. The key is knowing when the pork is “done.” The most important part of acing this style of cooking is to check the internal temperature.

How to Make Perfect Pulled Pork

Follow this quick and simple guide to making the most delicious pulled pork you’ve ever tasted:

  • Start by trimming the fat to clean the cut of meat.
  • Preheat your barbecue to a medium heat setting and ensure the meat can be cooked indirectly, using an elevated rack. Or preheat your smoker to 325°F.
  • Place the meat fat side up and insert a food thermometer to keep track of the temperature.
  • You’ll start to notice the meat turning opaque when it reaches about 120°F. It should then begin to turn a light brown around 140°F.
  • When the meat reaches an internal temperature of 195°F to 203°F, you can remove your meat from the grill or smoker. A general rule of thumb is to cook the meat for two hours per pound.
  • Allow the meat to rest on aluminum foil for a minimum of 30 minutes. Then pull it apart and serve!

For an even softer, more tender meat, leave your meat in the smoker or grill until it reaches an internal temperature of 203°F to 205°F. Do not cook it longer than this as it may overcook the meat and cause it to dry out.

Pro tip: Leftovers are great for pork belly ends or pulled pork tacos. You can also store the leftovers in the juices or in beer to maintain the tender and juicy flavor. Reheated pulled pork is just as delicious.

When cooked just right, pork butt or shoulder just pulls apart with a fork. So tender and juicy, pulled pork is a mouthwatering way to serve this meat and barbecue fans are well aware of this already. The key is knowing when the pork is “done.” The most important part of acing this style of cooking is to check the internal temperature.

Can I Pull Pulled Pork at 190?

When the internal temperature is 180°F to 190°F, it is ready to be pulled. But if you prefer a softer texture, you can let it cook to a slightly higher temperature. Be sure not to serve pork that hasn’t been cooked to at least 165°F.

What Temp is Pulled Pork Most Tender?

The best temperature to reach for the perfect pulled pork is 205°F. The higher internal temperature will break down the collagen in the meat better, resulting in a more tender, tastier meat.

What Temp Does Pork Shoulder Stall?

The stall period is the time when the internal temperature of the meat stops increasing. This is a normal part of cooking pulled pork and usually happens around 150°F and 170°F. This can last as long as an hour or two. Continue cooking.

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When cooked just right, pork butt or shoulder just pulls apart with a fork. So tender and juicy, pulled pork is a mouthwatering way to serve this meat and barbecue fans are well aware of this already. The key is knowing when the pork is “done.” The most important part of acing this style of cooking is to check the internal temperature.

How to Make Perfect Pulled Pork

By: Izzy
When cooked just right, pork butt or shoulder just pulls apart with a fork. So tender and juicy, pulled pork is a mouthwatering way to serve this meat and barbecue fans are well aware of this already. The key is knowing when the pork is “done.” The most important part of acing this style of cooking is to check the internal temperature.
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 4 lbs pork shoulder

Instructions 

  • Start by trimming the fat to clean the cut of meat.
  • Preheat the grill to a medium heat setting and ensure the meat can be cooked indirectly, using an elevated rack. Or preheat your smoker to 325°F.
  • Place the meat fat side up and insert a food thermometer to keep track of the temperature.
  • You’ll start to notice the meat turning opaque when it reaches about 120°F. It should then begin to turn a light brown around 140°F.
  • When the meat reaches an internal temperature of 195°F to 203°F, you can remove your meat from the grill or smoker. A general rule of thumb is to cook the meat for two hours per pound.
  • Allow the meat to rest on aluminum foil for a minimum of 30 minutes. Then pull it apart and serve!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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