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Cooking pulled pork requires patience. It also requires you to know when your pork is done. The pulled pork temperature guide applies whether you are smoking the pork shoulder, baking, grilling, or using a slow cooker.
However, the first thing you must understand about pulled pork temperature is that pork shoulder needs to be cooked well beyond the minimum internal cooking temperature before it is ready to be pulled.
A good meat thermometer can help you stay on top of the cooking process. Below we discuss what temperature pulled pork should be, how to check the temperature, why temperatures stalls, and how two different instant-read thermometers can help you.
What Temperature Is Pulled Pork Done?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that whole cuts of pork be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit or 63 degrees Celsius with a three-minute rest. However, this temperature is not hot enough to make the pork shoulder tender enough to pull.
The pulled pork temperature guide suggests that you continue cooking the pork shoulder until the internal temperature reaches between 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 degrees Celsius and 96 degrees Celsius before you can pull the pork apart.
This range is considered an average since it can vary depending on the size, shape, fat, and collagen in each cut of pork shoulder.
When checking the temperature of your pork shoulder, it is a good idea to insert the thermometer into a couple of different spots rather than relying on just one reading.
As mentioned above, pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat with collagen in it. As the pork cooks, the collagen breaks down and turns into gelatin, making the meat tender.
Cooking pulled pork at low temperatures for a long period of time allows the connective tissue to break down making it easier to pull the pork shoulder apart. The issue with cooking meat at low temperatures is that it can be challenging to tell when the meat is tender enough to pull.
Although the USDA recommends cooking pork to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, this temperature is not hot enough to break the connective tissue in pork shoulder down to make the meat tender. The result is meat that is safe to eat but not tender enough to be pulled.
How to Check Pulled Pork Temperature
Checking the temperature of the pork shoulder is one thing, but knowing how to check the temperature is another.
Insert the probe of the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork shoulder, making sure that you do not insert it into a large bone.
If you are using a bone-in cut of meat, it can be a good idea to take multiple readings in different places on the cut of meat since it may cook unevenly.
Once your meat has reached the temperature that you want to check, allow a few seconds before removing the thermometer.
One of the easiest ways to know when your pulled pork is ready to be pulled is to look at how easily the probe of the thermometer can be inserted into the meat.
Temperature tells you about the condition of the meat. Meanwhile, how tender the meat is lets you know if you can begin pulling it.
Ideal Pulled Pork Temperature
COOKING STAGE APROXIMATE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE
Minimum safe temperature for whole pork cuts 145ºF
Early cooking stage 150 – 170ºF
Common temperature-stall range 160ºF – 175ºF
Approaching tenderness 190ºF – 195ºF
Common pulled-pork finishing range 195ºF – 205ºF
Resting temperature May continue changing after removal
The table above does not indicate exact temperatures because every cut of meat is different.
Why Does Pulled Pork Need Such a High Temperature?
As mentioned above, pulled pork needs to be cooked to a higher temperature than normal because of the collagen in the connective tissue of the meat.
Overcooking the meat will eventually break the connective tissue down, but this process takes time.
This is why many cooks like to slow-cook pork shoulder. The low temperature cooking process gently breaks the connective tissue down over an extended period of time. In the meantime, the meat thermometer lets you know when the meat is getting tender enough to be pulled.
Product Spotlight: Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital
If you are looking for an easy way to check the temperature of your meat, then an instant-read thermometer is a good option to consider. The Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital promises to give you a reading almost as soon as you insert it into the meat.
The company claims that it takes only 1-2 seconds to register a reading. The thermometer is also calibrated from the factory, but you can recalibrate it yourself if you want to.
This thermometer can be used to test the temperature of meats, liquids, and deep-fried foods, candies, baking, grilling, air frying, and much more.
Features
Fast response: The thermometer is perfect for those who want to know the temperature of their meat as soon as possible after inserting the probe. It takes about 1-2 seconds to register a temperature reading.
Multiple uses: The thermometer is not limited to only one type of cooking method. You can use it to measure the temperature of meats, liquids, deep-fried foods, candies, baking, grilling, air frying, and much more.
Large backlit display: The thermometer has a large blue backlit display that makes it easy to see the temperature of your food even in dark environments.
Water-resistant: According to the product description, the thermometer is waterproof and can be cleaned under running water making it a hygienic option.
Calibrated: Like most instant-read thermometers, this one comes calibrated from the factory. However, unlike most, it can be recalibrated if you want to.
If you like to cook barbecue for large groups of people on a regular basis, then you probably need to invest in a quality set of grilling accessories. A good meat thermometer is one of the most important accessories that you can buy.
Product Spotlight: TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital
The TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital is another excellent option for those who want a quick and accurate reading of their meat’s internal temperature. According to the product description, it is accurate to 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
The TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital has an NSF-approved sensor and a 4.3 food-grade stainless-steel probe.
The thermometer’s speed, large display, auto-rotating display, and temperature lock can be particularly handy when you are cooking near an open flame.
Features
- Alpha Grillers vs. TempPro TempSwift
- Feature Alpha Grillers TempPro TempSwift
- Reading Speed About 1-2 seconds About 1 second
- Display Large backlit display 2-inch auto-rotating backlit display
- Probe Stainless-steel temperature probe 4.3-inch stainless-steel probe
- Waterproof rating IP67 IP65
- Calibration Yes Yes
- Temperature lock Not specified in supplied features Yes
- Automatic wake/sleep Not specified Yes
Storage — Magnetic back + hanging hole
As you can see, both thermometers are excellent options, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your preferences, you might find that one thermometer is a better value than the other.
How to Cook Pulled Pork
Monitoring the temperature of your meat is only part of the equation when it comes to making pulled pork. The other part is actually cooking the pork.
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
The first thing that you need to do is choose the right cut of meat. This cut of meat is usually referred to as pork shoulder or Boston butt. The cut of meat that you choose should have enough marbling and collagen to make it flavorful and tender.
Season the Pork Shoulder
Next, you will want to season the outside of the meat. A simple dry rub seasoning mix can be made with paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and chili powder.
You can use this mixture as a starting point, but it is a good idea to experiment with different spice mixes until you find a seasoning that you like. Make sure that you thoroughly coat the outside of the meat with the seasoning mix.
Preheat the Oven
Pulled pork can be prepared in a number of different ways. You can use a smoker, an oven, a grill, or even a slow cooker.
Regardless of the method that you choose, make sure that you have preheated your cooking appliance to the correct temperature.
Cook the Pork Shoulder
The next step is to place the seasoned meat inside the oven or on the smoker. Once you have placed the meat inside the cooking appliance, you should let it cook for an extended period of time.
Avoid opening the door of the smoker or the oven as often as possible since each time that you open the door you will be letting out a portion of the heat.
Check the Internal Temperature of the Pork Shoulder
After the meat has been cooking for a while, it is time to begin checking the internal temperature of the meat. To do this, you will need to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Make sure that you avoid any large bones as you do this.
A good meat thermometer such as the Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer or TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer will give you a reading almost instantly once you insert it into the meat.
Recognize and Overcome the Stall
As the meat cooks, you will notice that the internal temperature begins to rise. However, once the temperature reaches between 160 degrees Fahrenheit and 175 degrees Fahrenheit the thermometer will begin to register temperatures that are only a degree or two higher every hour.
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This phenomenon is referred to as the stall.
It can be easy to become frustrated when this happens since the meat seems to be taking an exceptionally long time to cook.
Continue to Cook the Pork
Despite what many people believe, the stall is a normal part of the cooking process. Once the pork shoulder has passed the point of the stall, it will begin to cook at a faster rate.
The best practice is to continue to let the meat cook until it reaches between 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the Tenderness of the Pork
Although temperature is a good indicator of whether or not the pork is ready to be pulled, a meat thermometer cannot tell you how tender the meat is.
As the meat cooks, the collagen in the meat will begin to turn into gelatin. This will cause the meat to become tender. If you are using a good meat thermometer, it should be easy to determine when the meat has become tender enough to be pulled.
Take Multiple Readings
Each large cut of meat has spots that are slightly cooler than other spots. This means that it is important to take multiple readings of your meat when you are checking the internal temperature.
- Let the Pork Shoulder Rest
The next step is to remove the meat from the heat source and let it rest. Once the meat has finished cooking, it is important that you give it time to rest so that the juices can redistribute themselves within the meat.
Pull the Pork Shoulder
After the meat has rested, it will be ready to be pulled. To pull the meat, you can use a pair of tongs or forks to tear the meat into smaller pieces.
While you are tearing the meat into smaller pieces, you should remove any large pieces of fat or connective tissue from the meat.
Why an Instant-Read Thermometer Helps
Determining internal temperature without a meat thermometer can be challenging since the meat on the outside typically has a different temperature than the meat on the inside.
The outside of the meat will normally be hotter than the inside because it is being exposed to an open flame or heated surface. An instant-read thermometer makes it easier to check whether the meat inside has reached the temperature that you want.
This is important for making pulled pork since the meat needs to be tender enough to be pulled. A good meat thermometer such as the Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer or TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer can help you determine both the internal temperature and tenderness of the meat.
Common Mistakes When Using a Pulled Pork Thermometer
Stop Cooking at 145 Degrees Fahrenheit
Although it is important to make sure that the meat reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, you should continue to cook the meat after you pass this point.
Cooking Based on Time Rather Than Temperature
Although it is a good idea to keep track of how long that the meat has been cooking, it is an even better idea to base your decision on whether or not the meat is ready to be eaten on the internal temperature of the meat.
- Checking the Internal Temperature of the Meat in Only One Spot
- Every large cut of meat will have spots that are slightly hotter than other spots.
- Opening the Door of the Smoker or Oven Too Often
- Opening the door of the smoker or oven causes the temperature inside the cooking appliance to drop.
- Not Allowing the Meat to Rest After Cooking
- Giving the meat time to rest after cooking allows the juices inside the meat to redistribute themselves.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pulled Pork Temperature
Is 180 Degrees Fahrenheit Enough for Pulled Pork?
It may seem counterintuitive, but 180 degrees Fahrenheit is not enough to make pulled pork tender enough to be pulled. You will need to continue cooking the pork shoulder until it reaches a temperature of between 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is 190 Degrees Fahrenheit Good for Pulled Pork?
190 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature for checking how tender the meat is. However, you will likely need to continue cooking the meat for a while longer before it becomes tender enough to be pulled.
Is 200 Degrees Fahrenheit Good for Pulled Pork?
200 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature for making pulled pork.
Can You Overcook Pulled Pork?
It is possible to overcook pulled pork. If you continue to cook the meat until it reaches well beyond 205 degrees Fahrenheit, it can begin to become less desirable to eat.
What is the Best Thermometer for Pulled Pork?
A good thermometer can make it much easier to check the internal temperature of the meat. The Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer and TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer are two excellent thermometers that check temperature almost instantly after you insert them into the meat. Each of these thermometers has a different set of accessories that can be useful in different situations.
Should You Wrap Pulled Pork?
Wrapping is a technique that many barbecue cooks use when they are making pulled pork or another type of barbecue dish. There are some benefits to wrapping as well as some drawbacks. It all depends on the type of barbecue that you are making and the bark that you want to create.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to check the temperature of pulled pork can be extremely beneficial. This is because the minimum internal temperature for whole cuts of pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but this temperature is not hot enough to make the pork shoulder tender enough to be pulled.
Most people find that they get the best results when they continue to cook the pork shoulder past 145 degrees Fahrenheit and let it reach a temperature of between 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
By using a good meat thermometer such as the Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer or TempPro TempSwift 1 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer it is possible to ensure that you cook the pork shoulder long enough to make it tender.
Remember that an instant-read meat thermometer is only one of the many accessories that can be extremely beneficial when you are making pulled pork.
