The cooking time for pork shoulder can vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat. If you’re cooking pork shoulder at 275°, it should take about 80-90 minutes per pound. This is a good middle-of-the-road option where the temperature is 225°.
How long to smoke Pork Shoulder at 275? You can cook the pork in a 275° F oven, or on the grill over indirect heat until it reaches 180° F to 190° F. After that, you should be able to pull it apart easily as it should be very tender and may even fall off the bone.
How Long Should We Cook Pork Shoulder in an Oven?
The ideal oven temperature is between 240- and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the pork shoulder is cooked evenly by using a temperature of no more than 80 minutes per pound.
The answer to this question depends on what you would like your finished product to look like. When cooking pork shoulder, it is important to use the digital thermometer and not the oven timer so that you can make sure that your pork is cooked long enough without any dryness or overcooking.
What Temperature Should You Set the Oven or Grill to when Cooking Pork Shoulder?
Pork shoulder is an incredibly versatile cut of meat that can be used in multiple ways. It can also be a little tricky to cook, so we will take you through the process step by step and explain what temperature you should set the oven or grill to when cooking it.
A quick way to find the best temperature for your oven is to use a meat thermometer and stick it into the center of the pork shoulder. The temperature should read between 180° F to 190° F. when inserted.
It’s important when cooking pork shoulder not to overcook it because this will cause it to become dry and tough, but if you cook it too quickly over high heat, then your marinade could burn away in seconds. A good rule of thumb is 80 minutes per pound of pork with no need for any additional basting during cooking time.
Related: How Long to Smoke a Boston Butt at 275?
Important Things to Consider When Smoking Pork Shoulder
Smoking pork shoulder is easier than you think. All you need is patience and attention to detail, plus the right tools. Here’s a list of the best tools and techniques to make smoking your next pork shoulder effortless, even if you’re a beginner or have no experience smoking meat.
1. Cold Smoke Pork Shoulder
A cold smoke is an all-day process that will infuse your pork shoulder with a subtle smoky flavor but still maintain that juicy, tender experience you want. While this process takes more time in the beginning, it produces more flavorful results in the end and does not require any additional heat sources like charcoal or gas grills.
2. Marinate Pork Shoulder
Marinating meat before cooking is one of those “too simple for words” ideas that most of us overlooked for years before it became commonplace everywhere—and it’s no surprise why! The acidity generated by the marinade helps break down the tough connective tissue in the pork shoulder to allow for more even cooking and enhanced flavor.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
To cook your pork shoulder properly, you will need a meat thermometer. There are two methods for using this tool: one-temperature grilling (125-250 degrees Fahrenheit) or two-temperature grilling (140-280 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Reserve Juice From Pork Shoulder
This is an important detail that most people forget but is integral to cooking your pork shoulder. If you want to keep this for use, you can either obtain a fat separator or use a container with at least three layers (a metal bowl and two plastic containers).
Tips for Smoking Pork Shoulder To Perfection
- Rub the pork with salt and pepper before smoking it, so the salt will begin to draw moisture out of the meat.
- Place the meat in a foil packet, not in a baking dish or pan, which will help give it more of an authentic taste when cooking.
- Use apple cider vinegar and brown sugar as your barbecue sauce base, which will give the meat a sweet flavor.
- Leave it cooking on low heat for about 6 hours until done – this ensures that all of its natural juices are retained inside instead of escaping into the oven or grill grate.
- Marinate the pork shoulder in a mixture of salt, sugar, and black pepper for a minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- When cooking, use a small amount of water to create a small saucepan to cook the onions and garlic before adding them to your preferred marinade.
- Cook the pork in an oven set at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes and then lower it down to 275 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s finished cooking.
How To Get The Smoke Flavor That You Want Out of Your Pork Shoulder?
You will often see pork shoulder on the grill or in braising, but when it is smoked, it needs a little extra attention. To smoke your pork shoulder right, you need to be aware of the type of spices that go best with it.
When it comes to smoking pork shoulder or any other type of meat, there are plenty of spices that can be mixed into the marinade. These include harissa, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon. Which one would work best is up to personal preference but there is a variety of recipes out there that would lead you in the right direction as well.