I always make my Simple Smoked Pulled Pork Butt (also called Smoked Pork Shoulder) when I need to feed a lot of people quickly. With only 3 ingredients, you’re looking at some good, classic BBQ with plenty of flavor.
This process for smoked pulled pork is a delicious way to cook pork butt. It’s a relatively easy process that requires a bit of time, some simple ingredients, and a trusty smoker.
This post is the perfect guide for your first pulled pork. It has a lot of useful information, so make sure you read it all the way through and then scroll down to the printable recipe card to learn even more about pork. Then you’ll be ready to face this tasty beast.
The reason I call this smoked pulled pork butt “simple” is because of how little effort it takes. For this recipe to always turn out perfectly, you don’t need any fancy injections, tools, spritzing mixtures, or wrapping. single. time. You only need a good pork shoulder, my famous sweet BBQ rub, some smoke, and a lot of time for this recipe to work.
Few dishes satisfy quite like a perfectly roasted pork butt. When done right, this cut offers fork-tender meat infused with spice and succulent flavor. But nailing the ideal cook time for a 7 lb pork butt requires insight.
Follow this complete guide to learn exactly how long to roast a 7 lb pork butt to shreddable, mouthwatering perfection
Why Pork Butt Is Ideal for Roasting
Pork butt, despite its name, actually comes from the upper shoulder of the hog. It contains marbled fat that keeps the meat moist during long cooking times. The blend of fat and meat also provides incredible flavor.
These attributes make pork butt ideal for low and slow roasting. The method gently breaks down tough collagen while retaining juice. A 7 lb pork butt has ample heft for feeding a crowd this way.
Key Factors that Determine Cook Time
Several aspects impact how long a 7 lb pork butt takes to cook. Here are the most significant:
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless roasts cook faster. Bone-in may take 10-25% longer.
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Thickness and shape – Thicker and uneven roasts require more time.
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Cooking method – Oven, grill, smoker and crockpot times vary greatly.
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Cooking temperature – Higher heat reduces cook time.
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Doneness temperature – Target 195°F-203°F for shredded meat.
An instant-read thermometer is essential for monitoring doneness. Never rely on time alone.
Roasting in the Oven
The oven offers ease and control for roasting pork butt. Use these guidelines:
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Preheat the oven fully to 300-325°F. Use a thermometer probe if possible.
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Place pork on a rack in a roasting pan for airflow.
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Cook approximately 40 minutes per lb, until 195°F internal temp.
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Rest 15 minutes before pulling/slicing.
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Total Time: About 2.5 – 3 hours for a 7 lb roast.
Pork butt benefits from a low, gradual cooking process. Resist turning up the heat, which can dry out the meat.
Step-By-Step Oven Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven pork butt:
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Trim excess fat. Apply a dry rub generously.
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Insert a thermometer probe if using. Position meat on rack in roasting pan.
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Roast at 300-325°F for approx. 40 mins per lb until 195°F.
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Remove roast, tent with foil and rest 15 minutes.
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Pull, slice or shred meat as desired. Moisten with pan juices.
Roasting low and slow is key. For added moisture, baste with pan juices periodically.
Grilling Times and Technique
The grill adds delicious smoky flavor. Use indirect heat:
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Preheat to medium heat, 300 to 325°F range. Use a thermometer.
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Cook over indirect heat for approx. 1 hour 15 mins per lb.
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Turn/Rotate pork every 20-30 minutes for even cooking.
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Wood chips (soak first) add extra smoke flavor.
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Rest meat 15 minutes off heat before shredding or slicing.
A 7 lb roast takes around 8 to 9 hours with indirect grilling. Baste with sauce in the final hour if desired.
Crockpot Cooking Guidelines
The slow cooker makes pork butt a cinch:
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Prep meat with dry rub. Add 1 cup broth to crockpot.
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Cook on low setting approximately 1 hour 15 mins per lb.
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Time for 7 lb roast: Around 10 to 12 hours.
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Vent lid to let moisture escape.
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Shred meat right in the crockpot.
Use a thermometer to confirm 195°F temp before serving.
Handy Pork Butt Roasting Tips
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Always let roast rest before carving. Crucial for juicy meat!
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Add herbs, citrus or spices to the pan juices for basting.
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Crockpot liner bags make cleanup easy.
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For smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to oven, grill or smoker.
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Slice pork butt across the grain for tender texture.
Safe Storage and Reheating
Properly stored, leftover pork butt keeps 4-5 days refrigerated.
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Store roast in an airtight container. Keeps 3-4 days.
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Freeze up to 3 months for longer storage. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
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Reheat in oven at 300°F until warm throughout. Moisten with sauce.
Get ready to impress guests with incredibly tender, juicy pork butt. Learning the ideal cook times sets you up for mouthwatering success. A 7 lb roast only requires a simple seasoning rub, ample cooking time and a watchful thermometer to achieve shred-worthy results. Master this cut, and you may find pork butt becoming a new favorite for family meals and get-togethers.
How Long to Smoke a Pork Butt
Your smoker should stay at 225 degrees F the whole time. Each pound of pork should take about two hours to cook.
For example, an 8-pound pork shoulder will take about 16 hours from start to finish. Note: The cook time will vary depending on the cut of meat you choose. For example, some 8-pound smoked pork butts finish in 12 hours, while others 10 pounds take 20 hours.
I recommend a good instant read probe thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature of the meat, and for this one reason. You’ll notice a pattern emerge as you start to smoke pork butts more frequently. Your meat rises in temperature up to about 145 degrees F pretty quickly, then the cooking process will slow dramatically and take hours to increase in temperature from 145 degrees F to 165 degrees F. This phase is called the “Stall” and is completely normal. Don’t panic, just let everything keep cooking and eventually the temperature will start to rise again.
A lot of pitmasters choose to wrap their smoked pork butt in foil or butcher paper at this point to speed up the process and get the meat through this time of waiting (you can see how I do this HERE). For this simple smoked pork butt recipe, I did not wrap at all.
I let the smoke keep working on the pork shoulder instead, and it helped create a great crust on the outside of the meat that is called “bark.” People who aren’t into BBQ might think this top layer looks burned, but people who do know what they’re doing love that dark caramelized bark!
How to Smoke a Pork Butt
Old-school BBQ techniques and flavors are used to make this simple smoked pulled pork shoulder. The pulled pork is very authentic and very tasty. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat. Get your favorite smoker running steady at 225 degrees F. For smoked pulled pork, either hickory or apple wood (or a mix of the two) is my favorite. Both of them are mild enough to go with pork without being too smokey.
- Slather in mustard. Put on some nitrile gloves and cover the pork shoulder with mustard all over.
- Season. Season on all sides with my signature sweet BBQ rub. This rub is one of the main ingredients in Hey Grill Hey. It is made with brown sugar mixed with smoked paprika, onion, garlic, and a little cayenne.
- Smoke. After getting the pork ready, put it right on the smoker’s grill grates, fat side up if possible. Close the lid and smoke the pork for 15 to 20 hours, or until it reaches 195 to 201 degrees F inside.
- Rest, shred and serve. As soon as the pork is cooked, take it out of the smoker and tightly wrap it in aluminum foil. Allow the roast to rest for at least an hour.
- Shred and serve. After giving the pork some time to rest, get some forks or my awesome Hey Grill Hey shredder claws and start shredding. Remove the bone and discard any fat or gristle. For a tasty pulled pork sandwich, serve it on its own or on a bun with homemade coleslaw.
I made Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 7 pound bone-in pork roast?
How many people will 7 pounds of pulled pork feed?
How do you cook a 7 lb Pork Butt?
To start, take your 7 lb pork butt out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and season the pork liberally with salt and pepper. Place it fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for about 40 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.
How long do you cook a pork butt in the oven?
Mix together all of your spices along with brown swerve sweetener in a small bowl, then sprinkle and rub the mixture all over the pork butt on all sides. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and place the pan into the oven. Cook for about 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
How long should a pork butt be cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked until it reaches 145 degrees. When the pork is done cooking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to soak into the meat before cutting. 0 NET Carbs The best pork butt to buy is one that is about 3-4 pounds in size, one that is fattier, than leaner.
How long do you cook a pound of pork?
Cook the pork butt for about 20 minutes per pound, the slower the better. Use a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked until it reaches 145 degrees. When the pork is done cooking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to soak into the meat before cutting. 0 NET Carbs