Sous Vide Pork Shoulder (Pulled Pork) Temperature Guide
Pulled pork needs hours of low heat to break down the shoulder's collagen — and the smoker makes you babysit it for 12 hours. Sous vide at 165°F for 18-24 hours gives you perfect pulled pork with zero watching, and a hot pan or grill finishes the bark.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
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Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Cook at 165°F for 18-24 hours (24 for extra-tender). Season generously with salt, pepper, and a BBQ or rub mix; a few tablespoons of liquid smoke in the bag adds smoke flavor. After the bath, the pork should shred with two forks. For bark: pat dry, coat with a bit of rub, and sear or finish on a hot grill 20-30 minutes. Toss with sauce and serve on buns with slaw.
FAQ
What temperature for pulled pork?
165°F for 18-24 hours — the collagen melts and the pork shreds easily.
How do I get bark without a smoker?
After the bath, rub and sear the pork or finish on a hot grill for 20-30 minutes — dry surface + high heat = bark.
Can I use liquid smoke?
Yes — a few tablespoons in the bag approximate the smoke flavor without a smoker.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.