How much charcoal do I need to smoke a pork shoulder?

Since you won’t be smoking for as long, you won’t need as much charcoal; figure on using 1/2 to 3/4 of a chimney of briquettes or maybe 1/3- to 2/3-full for lump. Though we do recommend loading the smoker with more, as there’s nothing worse than having to top up part way through a cook.

How long does a 10-pound pork shoulder take to smoke?

When slow-smoking a pork shoulder, you should figure 1 1/2 hours per pound of pork. A 10-pound, bone-in pork shoulder takes a long time to cook, but for the majority of that time it is in the smoker. You can get it started right after breakfast and have it ready in time for dinner.

Why is my smoked pork shoulder tough?

If you don’t cook the connective tissue properly, it will be tough and rubbery. The connective tissue has to break down and literally melt away in the meat. This takes time. but when it’s done, the meat should fall apart by itself.

Should I wrap my pork shoulder?

Wrapping in Foil Meat will generally be juicier and more tender. However, do not overcook. Meats like brisket and pork shoulder are best when taken to an internal temp of 203 degrees. Meat will cook faster and power more easily through the stall (see above).

Should I wrap smoked pork shoulder in foil?

Wrap in foil: At the 5-hour mark the internal temp should be in the 160 range. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep the meat from getting too much smoke and to catch the moisture being released during the cooking process.

How long does it take to smoke a 3 pound pork shoulder?

Cooking the pork can take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours per pound to cook (roughly 6 to 8 hours), as it depends on the toughness of the pork butt. Cook the pork until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 195 to 200 degrees F. with your cooking thermometer.

Can you put a rub on pork overnight?

Friday, after about 18-24 hours I am going to pull out the meat from the brine and let it rest for a couple of hours. In a small bowl combine the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, paprika, celery salt, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

How do you keep a pork shoulder moist when smoking?

Place pork shoulder in the smoker and toss 4-6 wood chunks onto the hot coals. Cook for about 8 hours until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 200°F on an instant read thermometer. Mop the shoulder every hour with mop sauce to keep it moist.

How long will it take to smoke a 3 pound pork shoulder?

Place the pork shoulder on the grate above drip pan after the smoker begins to smoke and is at 250 degrees. Smoke for about 60 to 90 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205 degrees.