My Favorite Method: How Long to Cook a Boston Butt for Perfect Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 4 6-pound (1.8 to 2.7 kg) bone-in or boneless Boston butt (pork shoulder)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) chili powder (optional for a smoky kick)
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) cumin (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar or apple juice
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or broth