Smoked Pork Leg - Smoke Whole Pork Leg the Right Way

by Mevell Kitchen
16 April, 2023
7 min read

smoked pork leg

There's nothing quite like a perfectly smoked pork leg, with its succulent meat and mouth-watering aroma. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard BBQ enthusiast, smoking a pork leg is a great way to impress your guests and treat yourself to a tasty meal.

While pork shoulder is a popular choice for smoking, the pork leg offers a unique and flavorful option that's perfect for a special occasion or holiday feast. To get the best results, start with a dry rub that complements the meat and roast it low and slow in your smoker until it's tender and juicy.

Once it's ready, slice it up and serve with your favorite BBQ sauce and sides for a meal that's sure to impress.

So if you're ready to take your barbecue skills to the next level, join us as we dive into the art of smoking a pork leg the right way!

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What is Smoking?

Smoking is the process of cooking meat using smoke from burning wood or charcoal. It's a technique that's been used for centuries, and it's still popular today because it adds a unique and delicious flavor to the meat. When smoking meat, the smoke penetrates the meat and infuses it with flavor, while the low and slow cooking process makes it incredibly tender and juicy.

Tools You Need for Smoking Pork Leg

Smoking a pork leg requires a few essential tools to get the job done right. Here are some of the must-have tools you'll need:

Smoker: A smoker is a piece of equipment that's specifically designed for smoking meat. It comes in various shapes and sizes, but the most common ones are charcoal or electric smokers.
Thermometer: To ensure that the pork leg is cooked to the right temperature, you'll need a reliable meat thermometer. It's best to use a probe thermometer that you can insert into the meat to get an accurate reading.
Wooden cutting board: A wooden cutting board is essential for handling the meat before and after smoking. Avoid using plastic cutting boards, as they can retain bacteria and odors.

Ingredients You Need to Get Started

Before you start smoking your pork leg, you'll need to gather some ingredients to make a dry rub. Here are some of the ingredients you'll need:

Brown sugar:Brown sugar adds sweetness to the dry rub, and it also helps to form a crust on the meat.
Garlic powder:Garlic powder adds a savory flavor to the dry rub.
Onion powder:Onion powder adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dry rub.
Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor to the dry rub, which complements the smoking process.
Spice: A blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and coriander can add depth of flavor to the dry rub.
Black pepper:Black pepper adds a mild heat to the dry rub.

Once you have all the ingredients, you can mix them together to create a dry rub. Rub the mixture all over the pork leg, making sure to coat it evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

How to Smoke Pork Leg

Now, let's get into how to smoke a pork leg. Smoking meat is an art, and it takes patience, skill, and the right equipment to get it right. Smoking a pork leg, also known as a ham hock, can be a challenge, but with the right technique and ingredients, you can create a delicious and tender smoked pork leg that will have your family and friends begging for more.

Choosing the quality of meat is the first step in smoking a pork leg. You want to choose a pork leg that has good marbling and is of good quality. You can also opt for a smoked pork shoulder or another part of the meat if you prefer. Once you have your pork leg, you need to prepare it for smoking.

Start by letting the meat sit at room temperature for a few hours before smoking. This will allow the meat to absorb the marinade and come to room temperature, which will help it cook evenly.
Next, prepare your marinade. You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade, depending on your preference.
Apply the marinade to the pork leg and let it sit for at least 12 hours, but preferably overnight.
When you are ready to start smoking the meat, prepare your grill or smoker. Choose the type of wood pellets or wood chips that you want to use for flavoring. Some popular choices are hickory, apple, and cherry wood.
Put the pork on the grill and close the lid. Let it cook for about 3 hours before checking the internal temperature.
The internal temperature should be around 160-170°F at this point. If the temperature is not high enough, continue to smoke the meat for another 2-3 hours, checking the temperature every hour.
Once the internal temperature of the meat has reached 180°F, you can now remove pork roast off the grill. Wrap it in aluminum foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist.
To slice the meat, use a large bowl or platter and a fork. Place the meat on the platter and use the fork to shred it. You can also slice it if you prefer.

Easy Pork Leg Brine Recipe to Try

If you want to try smoking a pork leg, you may want to consider brining it first. Brining can help infuse the meat with flavor and keep it moist during the smoking process. Here's an easy pork leg brine recipe to try:

Ingredients:

1 pork leg roast, pork shoulder butt, or pulled pork
4 cups of hot water
1/2 cup sea salt (no iodine)
1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
2 teaspoons of cloves
5 bay leaves (dried)
4 cups of ice-cold water

Instructions:

In a large pot, combine the hot water, sea salt, black peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaves. Stir until the salt has dissolved.
Add the ice-cold water to the pot and stir to combine. This will help bring the temperature of the brine down quickly.
Place the pork leg in a large ziplock bag or container and pour the brine over it. Make sure the meat is fully submerged in the brine.
Seal the ziplock bag or cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the meat brine for at least 12 hours in your fridge, but preferably overnight.
After the pork leg has finished brining, remove it from the brine and rinse it off with cold water. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
Preheat your smoker or grill to 225-250°F. Add your choice of wood chips or pellets to the smoker or grill.
Place the pork leg on the smoker or grill and let it smoke for 6 to 8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 180°F.
Once the pork leg has finished smoking, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it rest for 30 minutes or let it come to room temperature.
Slice or shred the meat as desired and serve the shredded pork with your favorite side.

This recipe takes a little bit of time and effort, but the result is a tasty smoked pork roast that's perfect for any occasion. The brine helps infuse the meat with flavor and keeps it moist during the smoking process, resulting in a juicy and flavorful pork leg. Try this recipe for your next barbecue or gathering and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade smoked pork.

Conclusion

Smoking a whole pig leg is a culinary experience that can be both challenging and rewarding. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can achieve a tender and flavorful smoked pork leg that will be the star of any gathering. Remember to let the meat come to room temperature before smoking and to allow it to rest after smoking to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.

Additionally, be mindful of the vent and add more charcoal as needed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. Finally, refrigerate any leftovers promptly to keep the meat fresh and safe to eat.

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a delicious and unforgettable smoked pork leg that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Related Products You Might Like

Related products you might like to consider for smoking a whole pig leg include wooden cutting boards, which are ideal for carving and serving this large cut of meat. Mevell offers a selection of high-quality wooden cutting boards that are perfect for handling and displaying a smoked pork leg. With their durable construction and ample size, Mevell wooden cutting boards make it easy to carve and serve your smoked pork leg with style and precision.

Shop the Mevell collection today and take your smoking game to the next level.