No smoker? No problem. Everyone deserves great pulled pork. Here are six ways to get there without a smoker—three with pork butt and three using other cuts of pork. You can use your oven, slow cooker, or gas grill for juicy, tender results. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving a BBQ sandwich, there's a method here for you.
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Traditional pulled pork comes from pork butt because of its fat and connective tissue—that’s what makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender. However, you can still get tasty results with leaner cuts like pork loin or tenderloin. It won’t have quite the same richness, but it’s quicker, healthier, and still perfect for sandwiches or feeding a crowd.
😊Pork Butt (Boston Butt) Recipes
A classic cut that delivers crispy bark and fall-apart tender meat. Use just a dry rub and cook it your way: oven, crock pot, or smoked on a grill. Great flavor; no smoker needed.
Why is it called a "butt" if it’s from the shoulder?
Because “butt” means thick, and this cut was traditionally packed into barrels (called butts) for shipping. It’s a shoulder cut, not the rear. But let’s not let naming conventions get in the way of dinner.
🤔 “Fake” Pulled Pork (Other Cuts, Still Delicious)
Don’t have pork butt? No worries. These recipes use leaner cuts like pork loin and tenderloin to mimic pulled pork—healthier and still tasty.
I have used the oven pork loin method for cooking for groups of 50. And I love the smaller tenderloin version.
🍯 Top It Off: Sauces & Rubs
👍References to Help You
Remember food safety. Check out the USDA Food Safety recommendations.
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Lilly says, “Have a great summer!”
Wifo, Lilly, Molly, and DrDan
Originally Published April 28, 2019. Update with new recommendations and discussion, usually yearly.
Ed says
Thank you for posting this comprehensive summary of Pulled Pork recipes.