How long to smoke a pork butt at 225? I recently smoked a pork butt at 225°F and it turned out to be one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had. If you’re wondering how long it takes to smoke a pork butt at this temperature, the answer is about 7-8 hours. Here’s how I did it:

– First, I made a dry rub using a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. I rubbed this mixture all over the pork butt and let it sit in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge overnight.
– The next day, I preheated my smoker to 225°F and placed the pork butt on the rack. I added some wood chips to the smoker box to give it that delicious smoky flavor.
– I let the pork butt smoke for about 7-8 hours, checking the internal temperature every hour or so. Once it reached an internal temperature of 195°F, I knew it was ready.
– I took the pork butt off the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes before shredding it with a fork. The meat was so tender and juicy, and the flavor was out of this world.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a pork butt, I highly recommend trying this method. The dry rub and slow smoking process really bring out the best in the meat, and the end result is a meal that everyone will love.

How Long to Smoke a Pork Butt at 225°F?

Smoking a pork butt is a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and tender cut of meat. However, it can be a bit intimidating for beginners who are not sure how long to smoke the pork butt at the right temperature. In this article, we will guide you through the process of smoking a pork butt at 225°F and provide you with tips to achieve the perfect smoky flavor.

Preparing the Pork Butt with a Dry Rub

Before smoking the pork butt, it is important to prepare it with a dry rub to enhance its flavor. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose your favorite dry rub recipe or buy a pre-made one from the store.
Apply the dry rub generously to the pork butt, making sure to cover all sides.
Place the pork butt in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Setting Up the Smoker at 225°F

Once the pork butt is ready, it is time to set up the smoker at the right temperature. Here are the steps to follow:

Fill the smoker with your preferred wood chips or chunks, such as hickory, apple, or mesquite.
Preheat the smoker to 225°F and make sure the temperature is stable before adding the pork butt.
Place a drip pan filled with water or apple juice underneath the pork butt to keep it moist and prevent flare-ups.

Placing the Pork Butt in the Smoker

Once the smoker is ready, it is time to place the pork butt in the smoker. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove the pork butt from the plastic bag and discard any excess dry rub.
Place the pork butt on the smoker rack, fat side up.
Close the smoker lid and let the pork butt smoke for about 7-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F.

Monitoring the Internal Temperature

Monitoring the internal temperature of the pork butt is crucial to ensure it is cooked to perfection. Here are the steps to follow:

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork butt, making sure not to touch the bone.
Check the temperature every hour or so and adjust the smoker temperature as needed to maintain a steady 225°F.
Once the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F, remove the pork butt from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Adjusting the Smoker as Needed

During the smoking process, you may need to adjust the smoker temperature or add more wood chips to maintain the smoke level. Here are some tips to follow:

If the smoker temperature is too low, add more wood chips and adjust the air vents to increase the airflow.
If the smoker temperature is too high, reduce the airflow by adjusting the air vents or adding a water pan to the smoker.
Check the wood chips every hour or so and add more as needed to maintain the smoke level.

Resting and Serving the Pork Butt

Once the pork butt is cooked to perfection, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove the pork butt from the smoker and place it on a cutting board.
Cover the pork butt loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
After resting, slice the pork butt against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Smoky Flavor

To achieve the perfect smoky flavor when smoking a pork butt, here are some tips to follow:

Choose a good quality pork butt with a good amount of fat for flavor and tenderness.
Use a flavorful dry rub to enhance the flavor of the pork butt.
Preheat the smoker to the right temperature and maintain a steady temperature throughout the smoking process.
Use wood chips or chunks that complement the flavor of the pork butt, such as hickory, apple, or mesquite.
Monitor the internal temperature of the pork butt and adjust the smoker temperature as needed.
Let the pork butt rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

In conclusion, smoking a pork butt at 225°F is a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and tender cut of meat. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve the perfect smoky flavor and impress your family and friends with your smoking skills. Enjoy!