Pork Butt Fat Cap

[Tech49]

Hey Guys,
Is it best to remove the fat from a pork butt prior to smoking? I am wondering how well the rub will do if it is on the fat rather than directly on the meat?

Thanks!

 

[jcam222]

Personal preference for me is to leave a good amount on, I love that stuff after it’s smoked and rendered down!!

 

[forktender]

I always trim up my butts, I leave about 1/8'' to 1/4'' of fat on butts and hams.

 

[one eyed jack]

I have never trimmed fat off of a pork butt. Whats on the outside melts away. It also is a key component to your bark.

Leave it says I.

 

[forktender]

6 to one 1/2 dozen to another.....do what makes you and your family happy.
I've never had a problem building bark on the butts that I've trimmed up.

 

[gmc2003]

You can always slice a criss-cross pattern into the fat. That way the rub has a way of getting to the meat and you retain the fat.

Chris

 

[one eyed jack]

You can always slice a criss-cross pattern into the fat. That way the rub has a way of getting to the meat and you retain the fat.

Chris

Good tip! I do this myself.

 

[Bearcarver]

Yup, Like said above:
Pulled Boston Pork Butt (230°--April 23, 2013)
Pulled Boston Pork Butt (265°--Oct 21, 2018)

Bear

 

[one eyed jack]

Mr. Bear; Your picture is making me hungry.

 

[phatbac]

I trim it because i dont like to eat it. i get great bark without it and it never renders its too dense.

Happy Smoking,
phatbac (Aaron)

 

[forktender]

I trim it because i dont like to eat it. i get great bark without it and it never renders its too dense.

Happy Smoking,
phatbac (Aaron)

Same reason I trim mine, I don't eat the fat and there is more than enough intramuscular fat/ marbling in pork butts to keep them nice and moist. There is no right or wrong way, try it both ways and see which way your family prefers it..that is the right way for you.

 

[ososmokeshack]

I leave it.

 

[Bearcarver]

You know what??----It might be just me, but I like mixing some of that outer Fat/Bark to my pulled Pork & Pulled Beef.
However I try to pick out most of the internal fat, because it's much different than the outer fat. The internal fat seems like a disgusting, sickening slimy substance to me.
I wouldn't think I'm the only one who thinks this, but maybe I am.

Bear

 

[one eyed jack]

You know what??----It might be just me, but I like mixing some of that outer Fat/Bark to my pulled Pork & Pulled Beef.
However I try to pick out most of the internal fat, because it's much different than the outer fat. The internal fat seems like a disgusting, sickening slimy substance to me.
I wouldn't think I'm the only one who thinks this, but maybe I am.

Bear

No; Your not the only one.

 

[Sowsage]

You know what??----It might be just me, but I like mixing some of that outer Fat/Bark to my pulled Pork & Pulled Beef.
However I try to pick out most of the internal fat, because it's much different than the outer fat. The internal fat seems like a disgusting, sickening slimy substance to me.
I wouldn't think I'm the only one who thinks this, but maybe I am.

Bear

Agreed! Two completely different fats! Love the outside fat!