kwtoxman
Well-known member
Looks good, nice bark. Do you leave them open like that for the entire cook? I always pan mine when they hit 160, cover with foil, and finish that way - a lot of moisture is lost between the 160 and 225 point I find (often when they're done there's a good few inches in the pan with the cut) and I'm always concerned about the pork coming out too dry if all that moisture is lost to the smoker.
I do love the bark on ribs and such, but I always felt that it wasn't essential for a butt simply because of the fact that the quantity of meat is so great that the bark just gets lost in the jumble anyways.
You need to try grilling it open all the way. That's the way I do it. The best way to cook pork shoulders is low and slow (as noted earlier) and open all the way. One doesn't lose a lot of moisture beyond the outside bark. The bible bbq site notes this all in detail (the amazing ribs site, linked for another meal earlier and here for pulled pork, http://amazingribs.com/recipes/porknography/perfect_pulled_pork.html).
The bark is amazing when cooked open, low and slow; it is crunchy, full of flavor and is a very important piece that adds contrasting textures and flavours to the rest of the meat. It makes the meal for many people. As I noted earlier, with you using large pork butts you will end up with less bark in the overall meat than optimal, which is why pros recommend 5-6 lb sizes or cutting large pork shoulders in two. I've done this meal a couple times and I definitely noticed a better bark/meat ratio with a 5 lb pork shoulder (bone in) versus a >7 lb pork shoulder.
Also if you wrap the meat part way through the cook the bark will lose its crunchy texture and become soft. That is why open is best for most people.
The finish cook temp is 195F. The bible site recommends 203F as well, but I found it a little drier so I try to stick to 195F. The pork shoulder is not a tender moist cut of meat. The cook to high temp (compared to other cuts of meat) serves to melt the collagens and fat which delivers moisture and tenderness that way.
On a final note this information works very well for most people and it is most definitely worth trying. But preferences aren't universal and some people have different tastes; there will be a minority of people who won't like the crunchy textures. As well, some people like the pork butt cooked longer and to a higher temp, others not. One should try a variety of ways and decide which ways and options you like best, and adjust as necessary.
EDIT: I should add that I use a water tray under each pork shoulder when cooking low, slow and open. This is not directly mentioned in the earlier linked guide and it really helps to retain moisture in the meat when it is such a long cook. I do the same in many other low and slow cooks.
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