Arkansas Delta BBQ Pork Shoulder on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Bring the flavors of the Arkansas Delta to your backyard with this slow-grilled BBQ pork shoulder. Using the Arteflame grill, you’ll achieve a perfect sear on the center grill grate at 1,000°F, locking in the juices. Then, the slow-cooking process on the flat cooktop will ensure the meat is tender and flavorful, complemented by a tangy vinegar-based sauce. The Arteflame’s solid steel cooktop gives you even heat distribution, making this method foolproof for a perfectly cooked pork shoulder.

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in pork shoulder (8-10 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the pork shoulder

1. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while the grill heats.

Step 3: Sear the pork shoulder

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter on the center grill grate.
2. Place the pork shoulder on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
3. Sear for 3 minutes per side, rotating to develop a deep, golden crust.

Step 4: Move to the flat cooktop

1. Move the seared pork shoulder to the flat cooktop surface.
2. Position it closer to the cooler edge for slow cooking.

Step 5: Slow cook the pork shoulder

1. Let the shoulder cook on the grill's flat top for about 5-6 hours, turning occasionally.
2. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
3. When the internal temperature reaches 190°F, remove it from the grill.

Step 6: Prepare the vinegar-based sauce

1. On the flat cooktop, mix apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Simmer while stirring for 5-10 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 7: Rest and serve

1. Let the pork shoulder rest for at least 20 minutes.
2. Shred the meat and mix with the tangy sauce.
3. Serve and enjoy the authentic Arkansas Delta BBQ experience!

Tips

• Cook the pork shoulder low and slow to maximize tenderness.
• Using butter instead of oil adds a deep, rich flavor.
• Let the meat rest after grilling as it continues cooking internally.
• Use the heat zones of the Arteflame to keep other dishes warm while grilling.
• Pulled pork leftovers make excellent sandwiches.

Variations

1. Spicy Arkansas BBQ: Add extra cayenne and hot sauce to the vinegar-based sauce for a fiery kick.
2. Sweet Honey Glaze: Substitute brown sugar with honey for a sweeter glaze.
3. Smoky Mesquite: Use mesquite wood for a rich, smoked flavor.
4. Southern Mustard Style: Replace vinegar sauce with a mustard-based BBQ sauce.
5. Beer-Braised Pork: Splash some beer onto the grill while cooking for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling pork shoulder on the Arteflame grill creates unmatched flavor and tenderness. The high-heat searing locks in juices, while the gentle heat zones ensure even, slow cooking. This Arkansas Delta BBQ recipe will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Coleslaw with a tangy dressing
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Classic Southern cornbread
• Cold iced tea or a light beer