Ingredients
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6 -8 lbs boston butt or 6 -8 lbs pork shoulder (may weigh less if it is boneless)
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3/4 cup molasses
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12 ounces pickling salt or 12 ounces kosher salt
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2 teaspoons whole fennel seeds
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2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
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2 tablespoons chili powder
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2 tablespoons onion powder
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2 tablespoons paprika
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1/2 cup barbecue sauce (whatever type you're using)
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1 cup apple cider vinegar
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2 quarts water
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2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
Instructions
- Combine ingredients for the brine.
- Place the pork roast into the brine, making sure it is submerged, and refrigerate for 10-12 hours, or overnight.
- Using a spice mill or mortar and pestle, grind ingredients for the spice rub into a fine powder.
- At the appropriate time, drain the pork roast from the brine and pat dry with paper toweling.
- Apply the spice rub to the pork roast, massaging it in, using gloves if desired to keep the rub from sticking to your fingers.
- Mix together ingredients for mop/baste and set aside.
- Prepare smoker or grill.
- When the smoker/grill temperature has reduced to 210F, add the pork roast, cover grill, and cook for approximately 10 hours, or until internal temperature has reached 165-190°F.
- Do not exceed 190F for an internal temperature in the meat or it will be dry.
- Maintain smoker/grill temperature of 210F throughout cooking time (you may add soaked wood chips to the coals occasionally, if desired).
- During the last hour or so of cooking, brush on mop liberally, about every 15 minutes or so.
- When the pork is cooked, it should be tender enough that sticking it with a fork loosens the meat easily.
- The roast will appear dark (it's what is called a"bark") when fully cooked.
- Allow pork roast to"rest" for 45 minutes to an hour before pulling (try not to pick at it and eat all of it before you get a chance to pull it!).
- To pull, use your fingers or 2 forks to shred meat on a cutting board.
- To make a sandwich, thin your preferred barbecue sauce and toss with meat in a bowl.
- Place meat on a bun/roll with some cole slaw (if desired).
- May also just eat off the plate, no sandwich.
- You'll find yourself grabbing pieces to munch on anyway.