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Cooked Pork Boston Butt with spices, ready for serving pulled pork dishes.

Pork Boston Butt

A simple and reliable method to cook a flavorful and tender Pork Boston Butt, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 5 to 8 pounds Boston butt, bone in or boneless Choose a well marbled cut.
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil To help the rub stick.
  • 1 cup water, broth, or apple juice Liquids for the pan.
Spice Rub
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt Essential for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar For browning.
  • 1 tablespoon paprika Can be smoked for additional flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • a pinch cayenne Optional for heat.
  • to taste cumin or dried thyme Optional add-ons for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim the fat cap if needed, leaving a thin layer. Pat the meat dry with paper towels so the rub sticks well.
  2. Rub a little oil all over the pork, then coat generously with your spice mix. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat the oven to 275°F.
  3. Add 1 cup of water, broth, or apple juice to your pan. Place the pork in, fat cap up.
Oven Cooking
  1. Slide the pan into the oven uncovered and roast at 275°F. Plan for roughly 60 to 90 minutes per pound.
  2. Around the 3 to 4 hour mark, if necessary, tent the pork with foil to protect the crust.
  3. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 195 to 203°F for pulled pork or 180 to 190°F for slicing.
Resting and Serving
  1. Take the pork out, tent with foil, and rest for 30 to 45 minutes before shredding.
  2. Shred with two forks or gloved hands, moisten with pan drippings, and serve as desired.

Notes

Keep the temperature steady and use a thermometer for best results. Baste with pan juices if desired. Recipe variations available for added flavor.