pork butt question

[celticgladiator]

i have read about searing a brisket before smoking. is this advised on a pork butt for added flavor? i figure someone here has some experience with this and could give me some advise.

 

[guvna]

i've never heard of anyone searing a butt. surely it would add some flavor though... mine have always come out great w/o searing so i've never tried. in fact, i've never seared anything before smoking it.

 

[ronp]

I do it all the time.

 

[raptor700]

Never tried searing anything before smokin, But I will try anything one time, twice if I like it !  

 

[celticgladiator]

i may give it a shot then. just wanted to make sure i wasnt going to ruin a butt in doing so. let it kiss the flames and then the smoke!

 

[raptor700]

If you try it let us (me)  know how it works. Never tried it....

 

[celticgladiator]

i think i'm going to do a butt in a week or so. have one in the freezer. i'll be sure to post pics when i do.

 

[ecducit]

I'd wondered that myself, since that IS what you do to any roast before going into an oven or a slow cooker.  I looked at the Boston Butt going into my smoker yesterday and told it "I should sear you."

Might contribute to better "bark" on the outside?

Maybe greater moisture retention and a juicier product?

You might've just created a new "secret" to greater smoking success.

 

[celticgladiator]

it's my understanding that searing retaining moisture is a myth but i would think it would add another level of flavor to the finished product. i'm sure its been done a lot as people do it with brisket all the time. one way to find out i guess,

 

[johnnybigsmoke]

Isn't pork fun??? Good times!!! 

I think that searing the butt would provide a whole new level of flavor... I'm doing a whole shoulder this weekend for a camping trip... I'm going to sear the smaller part and give it a shot... I should have some great pictures for y'all mid next week.

The only issue i see with this is "to rub or not to rub"... I'm thinking that if I use a rub on it and throw it on the grill to get the sear on it, won't the sugar in the rub burn and leave a crappy taste on it? I love my rub and I love a good bark so this is crucial for me... Do i sear it, then rub it, then smoke it? do i use a rub with no sugar in? Does anyone have any input on this??? This is new territory for me!

 

[realtorterry]

maybe try the turbinado sugar if your not already?

 

[Bearcarver]

Searing your Pork Butt will give it some extra flavor.

Backing up to close to the fire will sear your Butt & more than likely cause some pain.

Bear

 

[johnnybigsmoke]

maybe try the turbinado sugar if your not already?

Turbinado Sugar??? Forgive my ignorance but please explain...

 

[johnnybigsmoke]

Searing your Pork Butt will give it some extra flavor.

Backing up to close to the fire will sear your Butt & more than likely cause some pain.

Bear

Thanks for the heads up, Bear... Knowing me, this is going to be a very real possibility this weekend!!!