How to Make Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt - A Step-by-Step Guide

The perfect balance of sweet and smoky, this Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt recipe is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. The combination of the maple brine and applewood smoke creates a flavor profile that is out of this world. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner griller, this recipe is perfect for any skill level. So fire up the smoker and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish.

The first step in making this delectable di...

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Ingredients

  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 2 cups pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 (2 1/2 pound) pork butt roast
  • apple wood chips
  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 hrs
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
  • Total Time: 14 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Combine water, 2 cups maple syrup, and salt in a large pot; stir until brine is evenly combined, about 2 minutes. Add pork butt to brine; refrigerate for 2 hours 45 minutes.
  • Soak wood chips in a bowl of warm water while pork is brining.
  • Drain wood chips and place in the smoker. Place grill rack on top. Remove pork from brine and place on grill rack in smoker, discarding brine.
  • Turn smoker temperature to 280 degrees F (138 degrees C). Combine apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup maple syrup in a clean spray bottle.
  • Cook pork in the smoker, spraying every 45 minutes with vinegar spray, until internal temperature of pork reaches 195 degrees F (90 degrees C) to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C), about 12 hours. Transfer pork to a cutting board and slice or shred.
  • Nutrition

    254 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 34mg
    • Sodium: 7629mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 40g
    • Total Sugars: 35g
    • Protein: 11g
    • Calcium: 58mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 277mg