Smoking a Pork Butt on a Weber Grill
Smoking a pork butt on a Weber grill is a delicious way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, smoking a pork butt on a Weber grill is a rewarding and mouthwatering experience. Follow these simple steps to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful smoked pork butt that will have your friends and family coming back for more.
1. Selecting the Pork Butt
When smoking a pork butt, it’s important to start with a high-quality cut of meat. Look for a pork butt with good marbling and a nice layer of fat, as this will contribute to the juiciness and flavor of the finished product.
2. Preparing the Pork Butt
Before you start smoking the pork butt, it’s essential to prepare the meat. Trim any excess fat from the surface of the pork butt, leaving a thin layer to help keep the meat moist during the smoking process. Next, apply a generous amount of your favorite dry rub to the pork butt, ensuring that the entire surface is well coated. Let the pork butt sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors of the rub to penetrate the meat.
3. Preparing the Weber Grill
Prepare your Weber grill for smoking by setting it up for in-direct heat. If you’re using charcoal, arrange the coals to one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. Place a drip pan filled with water on the empty side of the grill to help maintain a moist cooking environment. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the grill and then turn off one or more burners to create a zone of indirect heat.
4. Smoking the Pork Butt
Once your grill is set up, it’s time to start smoking the pork butt. Place the pork butt on the grill grates on the side opposite the coals or heat source. Close the lid of the grill and adjust the vents to maintain a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C). Add wood chips or chunks to the coals or a smoker box if using a gas grill to infuse the pork butt with delicious smoky flavor.
5. Monitoring the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the pork butt as it smokes. The pork butt is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C). This can take several hours, so be patient and maintain a consistent smoking temperature throughout the process.
6. Resting and Serving
Once the pork butt reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender finished product. After resting, use two forks to shred the pork butt, discarding any excess fat. Serve the smoked pork butt on a platter and enjoy it on its own or as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or wraps.
Smoking a pork butt on a Weber grill is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue at home. With a little time and patience, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.