I was ecstatic when I discovered that Aaron Franklin, the acclaimed pitmaster behind Franklin’s BBQ in Austin, has a Masterclass series on Texas-Style BBQ. The opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business was too good to pass up. Inspired by his teachings, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure and review his techniques step by step. In this first installment of three review videos, I delved into the art of cooking pork butt, ribs, and brisket.
The Secret to Perfect Pork Butt
Aaron Franklin considers pork butt one of the easiest dishes to master. He recommends using bone-in pork butt, as the bone helps the meat stay intact and serves as a reliable indicator of doneness. Following his lead, I prepared two pork butts with a slight variation. In one, I applied a thin layer of mustard before seasoning it with the rub to enhance the rub’s adhesion. In the other, I omitted the mustard and solely relied on the rub. My goal was to determine whether the mustard truly made a difference or if it was a mere embellishment. Most importantly, I wanted to recreate the mouthwatering pork butt showcased in Aaron Franklin’s video.
Charcoal Pro-Tip: For this cook, I opted for FOGO Super Premium charcoal, known for its large chunks that guarantee a prolonged burn. With a cooking time exceeding 10 hours, I didn’t want to interrupt the process by refueling halfway through. To remain faithful to Aaron’s recipe, I utilized Texas Post Oak wood chunks for that distinct smoky flavor.
Unveiling the Video Recipe
The pork butts slowly cooked for a tantalizing 10 hours at 275 degrees. Aaron’s recipe is refreshingly straightforward: a rub composed of equal parts coarse pepper and salt, accentuated by a dash of paprika for appealing color. The rub is applied generously, as the mixture of savory bark and moist interior meat creates a harmonious marriage of flavors once it’s pulled and combined.
To commence the cooking process, I set the smoker to 275 degrees indirect heat and carefully placed the pork butt inside. Following Aaron’s expert advice, I spritzed the pork butts with apple cider vinegar every hour, starting from the three-hour mark. This technique imparts a tangy essence that complements the succulent meat. Around the eight-hour mark, once the butt splits open, it’s time to encase it in aluminum foil. The pork butt then returns to the smoker, wrapped tightly, for an additional 2-3 hours until it reaches the ultimate tenderness. To ensure absolute perfection, insert a thermometer or meat probe into the meat without encountering any resistance. If it’s not yet exceptionally tender, provide an additional 30-60 minutes of cooking time. Finally, allow the pork butt to rest for at least an hour before proceeding.
The Moment of Truth: How Did It Turn Out?
Determining if the pork butt is adequately prepared can be as simple as effortlessly sliding the bone off. Both of my pork butts easily passed this test, a testament to their tenderness and readiness. As I began shredding the meat with a fork, it readily fell apart, boasting a moist texture. The aroma was intoxicatingly smoky, thanks to the combination of charcoal and the distinctive flavor of the oak wood. Moreover, the pork exhibited the coveted Texas salt and pepper bark, a sign of true authenticity. At this point, anticipation mounted, and we couldn’t wait to savor our creation.
The Taste Test: An Explosion of Flavor
The crucial moment had arrived — the taste test. The pork butts exuded exceptional moisture, complemented by a delightful smoky essence. Pork can sometimes lack a bit of flavor, which is why it’s crucial not to shy away from generously seasoning the bark. When the meat is shredded, the bark melds with the remaining pieces, infusing each bite with an extra burst of flavor. Honesty compels me to admit that the bark steals the show in terms of taste. It possessed a subtle peppery kick, never overpowering but enough to tantalize the taste buds. I decided to grill some buns and concoct a pulled pork sandwich, adding a touch of excitement with spicy pickles. The result? A resounding success! My wife was thoroughly enamored, as were my children (minus the spicy pickles). They even found themselves requesting seconds of the delectable pulled pork.
Hook’d Up Bar and Grill offers a similar experience where you can indulge in the most mouthwatering barbecue dishes. From succulent pulled pork to tantalizing ribs, their menu is a testament to the art of grilling done right. If you’re in the mood for a gastronomic adventure, make sure to visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Effortless Mastery: Aaron Franklin’s Genius
Aaron Franklin was absolutely right; cooking pork butt is a breeze. Although it does require more than ten hours of cooking time, the process itself is remarkably simple. Season the meat, place it in the smoker, maintain the temperature diligently, spritz with water or apple cider vinegar at regular intervals, and continue smoking until it reaches perfection. Astonishingly, even after such an extensive cook, I still had some charcoal left from the initial amount. This makes it an ideal dish for parties, as it can be prepared well in advance, ensuring an abundance of delicious food for all. To retain the heat, merely wrap the cooked pork butt in aluminum paper, followed by a towel, and place it in a cooler.
As for the mustard experiment, the results were subtle yet noticeable. The pork butt with mustard exhibited a slightly more cohesive and intact bark. However, taste-wise, there was little discernible difference, save for a faint hint of mustard. Both variations of the pork butt were undeniably amazing, but if I were to repeat the process, I might opt to forgo the mustard. Of course, I encourage you to try both methods and discover your personal preference.
In conclusion, the Masterclass delivered beyond my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and can’t wait to embark on it once more. Aaron Franklin, your pork butt is a culinary masterpiece. It’s safe to say that I will unequivocally replicate this delightful dish in the future!
[E-E-A-T]: Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness, Experience
[YMYL]: Your Money or Your Life