should you inject a boston butt

Preparing pork butt, also known as Boston butt or shoulder, can sometimes yield dry and tough meat when it isnt done properly. Injecting the meat can help less-experienced cooks attain pork thats succulent and moist. Inject the marinade throughout the pork to ensure that every part of the meat is flavorful; penetrating many areas of the meat ensures an equal distribution of moisture and flavor.

Pork butt, which comes from the shoulders of the pig, makes the most amazing pulled pork, which you can use in sandwiches, tacos, nachos, on top of rice, or served with potatoes. By injecting your meat, youll also save some time as overnight marinades or rubs are optional.

This easy recipe is a perfect mix of sweet and salty and pairs nicely with various spice rubs. Our mix makes enough to marinate an 8-pound pork butt. Scale the ingredients up or down for bigger or smaller cuts. For ultimate flavor, use extra spice rub in the marinade to season the outside of the pork. With this type of technique, you can spread delicious flavor throughout a piece of pork before placing it on the grill or in the smoker.

Before you start, be sure to have a proper meat syringe or injector, which can be found in kitchen supply stores or online. If making the marinade ahead of time to inject later, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, but never save marinade that has been in contact with raw meat as it can be the source of foodborne illness.

“An injection marinade guarantees the most flavorful, moist pork roast possible. The addition of a spice rub incorporating some of the same seasonings as the marinade enhances the flavor even more.” —Diana Andrews

Steps to Make It

• Gather the ingredients. The Spruce Eats
• Combine the apple juice or cider, apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, melted butter, and pork rub in a small mixing bowl. Season the pork on the outside using some extra dry rub. The Spruce Eats
• Using a meat injection syringe, inject the mixture into several different spots in the pork roast. The more entrance points you can make, the better the flavor distribution will be. The Spruce Eats
• Grill or smoke the pork shoulder right away or store in the fridge until ready to use—from a few hours up to overnight. Enjoy. The Spruce Eats

Should You Be Injecting Your Pork Butts? | HowToBBQRight Podcast Clips

FAQ

Is it better to brine or inject pork shoulder?

How long before smoking should you inject?

What is a pork butt injection?

A pork butt injection is a marinade consisting of flavorful liquids and seasonings that home cooks inject into the meat (pork butt) with a meat syringe prior to cooking. This injection keeps the pork juicy and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process, whether you’re braising, smoking, or using another slow-cooking method.

What makes Boston butt so special?

Injecting the pork butt in a grid-like pattern ensures even distribution across the Boston butt. This guarantees that every section of the meat is marinated to perfection. Apple flavor fusion. The melding of apple juice’s natural sweetness with the tang of apple cider vinegar ensures each bite of pork is as delicious as the last.

Should you inject a pork butt before a hot and fast cook?

Injecting the pork butt is useful if you’re doing a hot-and-fast cook because meat cooked at high temperatures will lose a lot of moisture. So injecting the pork prior to a high-temp cook will help with fluid replacement. Hot and fast is a cooking method that can be used if you have limited time, and need the pork quickly and efficiently.

How do you do a pork shoulder injection?

You can do the pork shoulder injection either before or after you season the meat. Start on one side of the pork butt and insert the injector needle halfway into the meat. Inject the marinade until it seeps out of the meat. Move on to the next point, about 1 inch from the previous spot. Repeat the injection procedure until the pork butt is plump.