Traeger Smoked Pork Shoulder Skewers Recipe

Traeger Pork Shoulder Skewers

This recipe makes the most of pork shoulder by cutting it into chunks, rubbing each piece with a balanced blend of seasonings, and grilling the skewers low and slow until the meat becomes tender and succulent. While traditional pork shoulder can take an all-day smoke to break down, this method speeds things up by searing the pieces and finishing them on skewers so you get great texture and incredible flavor without a full-day commitment.

The technique is straightforward and friendly to cooks of any skill level. After a quick browning step in a hot pan, the pork cooks on the grill at a steady temperature, with routine turning and repeated basting in a homemade sauce. The sauce—made simply from BBQ sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar—adds a glossy, tangy finish that balances the savory spice of the rubs.

Feel free to adapt the seasoning to match your palate. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the smoky honey habanero component and lean more on the sweet-and-spicy or Asadero-style rubs. You can also swap in your favorite BBQ sauce to control sweetness or tang. The method remains the same, and the skewers will still deliver juicy, satisfying bites every time.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Complex Flavor: Multiple complementary rubs create layers of sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy notes.
• Tender Results: Browning plus low-temperature grilling produces juicy, pull-apart pork.
• Customizable Sauce: The simple butter-and-vinegar BBQ baste is easy to tweak for your taste.
• Simple Process: Clear, repeatable steps make this approachable for beginners and experienced grillers alike.
• Great for Entertaining: Skewers are easy to serve and perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family meals.

Recipe Shopping List

No complicated grocery run—this list covers everything you need. For exact amounts and a printable recipe card, see the recipe card further down.

• Pork shoulder roast (bone-in or boneless)
• Asadero-style all-purpose rub
• Sweet-and-spicy pork rub
• Smoky honey habanero rub (use less if you prefer milder)
• Neutral oil for browning (vegetable or canola)
• Barbecue sauce
• Butter
• Apple cider vinegar

How To Make This Recipe

Below is a clear overview of the steps. Follow the full recipe card in the recipe section for exact measurements, cooking times, and handy tips while you cook.

1. Prep: Cut the pork shoulder into roughly 2-inch chunks and mix your dry rubs together.
2. Brown: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork pieces on all sides to develop flavor, then let them rest briefly.
3. Skewer & Grill: Thread the cooled chunks onto skewers, leaving space between pieces. Set the grill to a steady low temperature (around 250°F) and place the skewers directly on the grate.
4. Turn: Cook for about three hours, turning the skewers every hour to ensure even cooking.
5. Sauce: Melt butter and whisk it into the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar. When the pork becomes tender, brush the sauce onto each skewer to glaze.
6. Finish: Increase grill heat slightly and baste the skewers every 15 minutes for the last 30–45 minutes to build a sticky, caramelized coating.
7. Serve: Remove from the grill, let rest briefly, and serve with the remaining sauce on the side.

Recipe FAQ

Serve This With

• Grilled vegetables for a bright, smoky contrast.
• Creamy coleslaw to cool the palate and add crunch.
• Cornbread to soak up extra sauce and complement the pork.
• A cold beer or iced tea to complete the meal.

Pork Shoulder Recipes

• Smoked al pastor tacos — a spiced, juicy pork option for tacos.
• Cider-braised pork burritos — rich, tangy pork wrapped for easy eating.
• Smoked pulled pork tacos — classic barbecue favorites reimagined.
• Smoked pulled pork enchiladas — cheesy, saucy, and satisfying.
• Smoked pulled pork sliders — perfect bite-sized sandwiches for parties.