How to Cook a Juicy, Delicious Pork Shoulder on the Gas Grill
How to Cook a Pork Shoulder on the Gas Grill
Pork shoulder is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the best ways to cook pork shoulder is on the gas grill. This method produces juicy, flavorful pork that is perfect for a summer cookout or barbecue.
In this article, we will discuss how to cook a pork shoulder on the gas grill. We will cover everything from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing the grill and cooking the pork to perfection. So whether you are a seasoned grill master or a novice, read on for all the information you need to know about cooking pork shoulder on the gas grill.
| Step | Instructions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your gas grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. | Make sure the grill is clean and free of any debris. |
| 2 | Rub the pork shoulder with a dry rub of your choice. | You can use a store-bought rub or make your own. |
| 3 | Place the pork shoulder on the grill, fat side up. | Close the grill lid and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| 4 | Let the pork shoulder rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. | The pork shoulder should be tender and juicy. |
Choosing the Right Pork Shoulder
When choosing a pork shoulder for grilling, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Size and cut of pork shoulder
Pork shoulders come in a variety of sizes, from small (5 pounds) to large (15 pounds). The size of the pork shoulder will determine how long it will take to cook. A smaller pork shoulder will cook faster than a larger one.
The two main cuts of pork shoulder are the Boston butt and the picnic shoulder. The Boston butt is the more popular choice for grilling, as it is more evenly marbled with fat and has a more consistent flavor. The picnic shoulder is a less fatty cut of meat, and it is often used for pulled pork.
Fat content of pork shoulder
The fat content of pork shoulder is important to consider when choosing a pork shoulder for grilling. A pork shoulder with a higher fat content will be more flavorful and juicy, but it will also take longer to cook. A pork shoulder with a lower fat content will be drier and cook faster.
Marinating or dry brining pork shoulder
Marinating or dry brining pork shoulder before grilling is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. Marinating pork shoulder in a flavorful liquid will help to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful. Dry brining pork shoulder is a simple process that involves rubbing the meat with a mixture of salt and spices and letting it sit for several hours or overnight.
Preparing the Pork Shoulder for Grilling
Once you have chosen the right pork shoulder, it is time to prepare it for grilling.
Trimming pork shoulder
Before grilling pork shoulder, it is important to trim any excess fat and silverskin. The fat can be trimmed with a sharp knife, and the silverskin can be removed with a sharp paring knife.
Rubbing pork shoulder with spices or dry rub
Once the pork shoulder has been trimmed, it is time to rub it with spices or a dry rub. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat. There are many different recipes for pork shoulder rubs, so you can choose one that you like.
Pre-cooking pork shoulder
Pre-cooking pork shoulder is not necessary, but it can help to speed up the cooking process. Pre-cooking pork shoulder can be done in a variety of ways, including smoking, roasting, or braising.
Grilling Pork Shoulder
Once the pork shoulder has been pre-cooked, it is time to grill it.
Grilling pork shoulder over indirect heat
The best way to grill pork shoulder is over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the meat from drying out. To grill pork shoulder over indirect heat, set up your grill for two-zone cooking. The hot zone will be used for searing the meat, and the cool zone will be used for cooking the meat through.
Grilling pork shoulder to an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit
Pork shoulder is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and juicy.
Resting pork shoulder before slicing
Once the pork shoulder has reached an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit, it should be removed from the grill and allowed to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy.
Grilling pork shoulder is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can be sure to grill a perfect pork shoulder every time.
Grilling the Pork Shoulder
The key to grilling a delicious pork shoulder is to cook it low and slow. This will allow the meat to become fall-apart tender and juicy.
To grill a pork shoulder, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pork shoulder (5-7 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Trim the pork shoulder of any excess fat.
3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar and water. Place the pork shoulder in the bowl and turn to coat. Marinate the pork shoulder for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
5. Remove the pork shoulder from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook the pork shoulder for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Wrap the pork shoulder in aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Temperature and time for grilling pork shoulder
The ideal temperature for grilling pork shoulder is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a fall-apart tender and juicy pork shoulder.
The cooking time for pork shoulder will vary depending on the size of the roast. A 5-pound pork shoulder will take approximately 6-8 hours to cook, while a 7-pound pork shoulder will take approximately 8-10 hours to cook.
It is important to note that the pork shoulder will continue to cook after it is removed from the grill. Allow the pork shoulder to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Mopping or basting pork shoulder while grilling
Mopping or basting pork shoulder while grilling is optional, but it can help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
To baste the pork shoulder, simply brush or spritz the meat with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the meat from drying out and will also add flavor.
If you do not want to baste the pork shoulder, you can simply wrap it in aluminum foil after the first hour of grilling. This will help to keep the meat moist and will also prevent it from burning.
Resting pork shoulder after grilling
It is important to let the pork shoulder rest after grilling. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy pork shoulder.
To rest the pork shoulder, simply wrap it in aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Carving and Serving the Pork Shoulder
Carving pork shoulder can be a bit tricky, but it is not difficult.
To carve the pork shoulder, first remove the pork shoulder from the grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Once the pork shoulder has rested, use a sharp knife to slice the meat against the grain.
The pork shoulder can be served on its own or with your favorite sides. Some popular sides for pork shoulder include:
- Coleslaw
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
Grilling a pork shoulder is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can be sure to grill a pork shoulder that is fall-apart tender and juicy.
How long does it take to cook a pork shoulder on a gas grill?
The cooking time for a pork shoulder will vary depending on the size of the shoulder, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness. A good rule of thumb is to cook a pork shoulder for 90 minutes per pound at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 5-pound pork shoulder would take about 5 hours to cook.
What temperature should I cook a pork shoulder on a gas grill?
The ideal temperature for cooking a pork shoulder on a gas grill is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the pork to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end product.
What is the best way to prepare a pork shoulder for grilling?
Before grilling a pork shoulder, it is important to first trim any excess fat and silverskin. The pork should then be rubbed with a dry rub or marinade and allowed to marinate for several hours or overnight.
How do I know when a pork shoulder is done cooking?
The best way to tell if a pork shoulder is done cooking is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 195 degrees Fahrenheit when it is cooked through.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling pork shoulder?
Some common mistakes people make when grilling pork shoulder include cooking it at too high of a temperature, not letting it rest before slicing, and not using a meat thermometer.
How can I make sure my pork shoulder is juicy and flavorful?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your pork shoulder is juicy and flavorful. First, make sure to cook it at a low temperature so that the meat has time to render its fat. Second, use a dry rub or marinade to add flavor to the meat. Third, let the pork shoulder rest for several minutes before slicing so that the juices can redistribute.
What are some different ways to cook pork shoulder on a gas grill?
There are a variety of ways to cook pork shoulder on a gas grill. Some popular methods include smoking, grilling, and roasting.
What are some of the best sides to serve with pork shoulder?
Some of the best sides to serve with pork shoulder include grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.
In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook a pork shoulder on the gas grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing it for grilling. We have also provided step-by-step instructions on how to grill a pork shoulder to perfection.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will enjoy grilling your own pork shoulder soon. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Choose a pork shoulder that is between 5 and 7 pounds.
- Trim the fat cap and season the meat with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the pork shoulder for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the pork shoulder rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
With these tips, you can easily cook a delicious and juicy pork shoulder on your gas grill. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!
Author Profile
-
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.