Rookie- need input on 1st butt smoke

Bullelk34 · February 13, 2011, 05:59:09 PM

Hey guys-

I'm really loving my new DBS- the ribs and jerky are fantastic. I bought a pork butt today, it is about 5 pounds. I'll probably try it this weekend, do I need to cure it with anything or just smoke/cook away? Should I apply a rub? I see you want an IT of 185-200 for pulled pork, how long do you suppose a 5 pounder should take?

Thanks in advance-
Carl

and I will take pix----

GusRobin · February 13, 2011, 06:07:07 PM

time will depend on what temp you cook at and how stubborn the butt is. You will hit an IT of 160 and then it will just stall there for a few hours. Don't panic and bump up the temp, just let it cook. It is getting tender, the collagen is breaking down and releasing moisture which is soakingg up the heat, thus the stall.
You probably can figure 2 hrs lb? I have done 8 lb ones at 225* that have taken anywhere from 16 - 20 hrs. Iam not sure as to what the smaller size will do to the time. Allow a few hours to FTC it and use the FTC time as a buffer.

DTAggie · February 13, 2011, 06:34:24 PM

Put your favorite rub on it. Butts can handle lots of rubbing. Gus has you covered on times.

Habanero Smoker · February 14, 2011, 02:07:59 AM

You definitely will want to put a rub on it. The following link has a few pulled pork recipes, and there are plenty more on this forum.

Pork Recipes

SouthernSmoked · February 14, 2011, 05:11:28 AM

I agree, butts need some good loving...rub the heck out of that baby.

Here is one that I did back in August.
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=17649.0

Enjoy!!

Bullelk34 · February 14, 2011, 06:51:38 PM

Thanks guys- some good info. I almost forgot I didn't have a digital meat thermometer..... so I picked one up for the wife for her "Valentine's Day" present ;D

Looking forward to giving this a try- I decided I'll use Creole Butter injection marinade, and a rib rub made by famous daves. I can't wait!

DTAggie · February 14, 2011, 06:56:48 PM

Sounds like a good plan. If you plan on pulling your butt, take it to 185* to 205*. I personally have settled on 200* to 202* but everyone has their fav temp.

Bullelk34 · February 18, 2011, 05:10:29 PM

Well- it looks like the element is shot- so party's over. I'm not happy, going to smoke it and finish it in the roaster, and call Bradley on Monday.