Cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill is a delicious and traditional way to enjoy a meal. It is also a great way to bring friends and family together for a special occasion. The process of cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill is time consuming and requires patience, but the results are worth it. First, you will need to select the right size pig for your grill. The size of the pig should be based on the size of your grill and the amount of people you are feeding. Once you have the right size pig, you will need to prepare it for cooking. This includes removing any excess fat and cleaning the inside of the pig. Then the pig will need to be seasoned with salt and spices. After the seasonings have been applied, the pig will need to be wrapped in foil and placed onto the charcoal grill. The temperature should be kept between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit and the pig will need to be cooked for about 6 hours. During the cooking process, you will need to check the pig to make sure it is cooking properly and to avoid burning. Once the pig is cooked, it should be served immediately. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Contents
How To Cook A Whole Pig On A Charcoal Grill
Cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill requires some advanced preparation and a good understanding of heat control. To begin, the pig should be prepped and marinated the day before. The next day, the pig should be suspended over the charcoal grill, making sure that the pig is at least 8 inches away from the coals. It is important to rotate the pig every 30 minutes, and to adjust the charcoal levels so that the temperature of the grill stays between 250 and 300°F. After about 5 hours, the pig should be fully cooked and ready to eat. Be sure to let the pig rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. With the right preparation and attention, a delicious, smoky-flavored, whole pig can be successfully cooked on a charcoal grill.
Prepare the Pig: Trim the Pig, Score the Skin, and Rub with Seasonings
Cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill is an art form that requires a lot of preparation and patience, but yields some of the most succulent and flavorful results. If you’re ready to take your barbecue skills to the next level, here’s how to prepare, trim, score and season your pig for the grill.
First, you’ll need to prepare the pig for cooking. This means removing the organs and any other innards, and washing and drying the pig inside and out. Once the pig is ready, you can start the trimming process. You’ll want to remove any excess fat and connective tissue, so the pig cooks more evenly and doesn’t get too greasy.

Next, it’s time to score the skin. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the skin, being careful not to cut too deep. This will help the fat render and the skin crisp up as it cooks.
Finally, you’ll want to rub your pig with seasonings. Start with a good dry rub, and add your favorite wet marinades or liquid seasonings. Be sure to rub the seasonings into the scored skin and into any areas you’ve trimmed.
Now you’re ready to cook your whole pig on a charcoal grill. With a bit of preparation and patience, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal that’s sure to be the hit of your next barbecue. So fire up the grill, and get ready for some truly amazing eats!
Start the Grill: Create an Indirect Heat Zone and Begin Heating the Charcoal
Cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill is a great way to feed a large crowd or host an outdoor gathering. However, it takes some special preparation and technique to get the perfect, juicy result. The key to success is to set up your charcoal grill in the proper way and create an indirect heat zone before you begin heating the charcoal.
To start, you’ll need to arrange your charcoal in two piles: one on either side of the grill. Place a small metal tray or pan in the middle of the grill and fill it with water. This creates an indirect heat zone, which will ensure that the temperature of the grill remains consistent and even. Once the charcoal has been set up, light it and let it burn for about 20 minutes.

When the charcoal is burning hot, it’s time to add the pig. Place the pig in the middle of the grill, above the pan of water, and close the lid. This creates a dome-like effect that traps the heat and keeps the pig cooking evenly. To ensure that the heat stays even, you may need to adjust the charcoal piles during the cooking process.
When the pig is cooked, it’s important to let it rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the finished product moist and juicy. The grill will stay hot for a while after you’re done cooking, so make sure to let it cool down before you put it away.
With the proper preparation and technique, you can achieve amazing results when cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill. The indirect heat zone will keep the temperature of the grill consistent and help you achieve the perfect juicy result. So get grilling and enjoy the delicious meal you created!
Cook the Pig: Arrange the Pig on the Grill and Cook for 4-6 Hours
Cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill is an art form that requires patience, knowledge, and the right equipment. When done correctly, the flavor of the pig is truly unforgettable. In this article, we’ll discuss how to cook a whole pig on a charcoal grill in just 46 hours.
The first step to cooking a whole pig on a charcoal grill is to source the right pig. You want to find a pig that is about 200-300 pounds and has a generous fat content. This will ensure that the meat comes out tender and juicy. You can find a pig from a local butcher or from a farmer who specializes in pigs.

Once you have secured your pig, it’s time to move onto the preparation process. You want to make sure you have the right cooking equipment before you begin. You’ll need a large charcoal grill, a heavy-duty grate, a few bricks, and a couple of sticks of hardwood. It’s also important to have a thermometer to check the temperature of the meat as it cooks.
Once you have all your equipment ready, it’s time to arrange the pig on the grill. You want to place the pig on the grate and make sure that it’s secure. Place the bricks on either side of the pig to help keep the pig in place and to ensure even heat distribution. Place the hardwood sticks on the charcoal to get the fire going.
Once the fire is going, you want to start cooking the pig slowly. This means you should keep the temperature of the grill at a steady 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature should be maintained for the entire cooking process. You should also check the internal temperature of the pig with a thermometer every few hours.
Once the pig reaches an internal temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s done cooking. This should take about 46 hours, depending on the size of the pig.
When the pig is done cooking, let it rest for at least an hour. This will allow the juices to settle and the meat to become even more tender and succulent. After the pig has rested, it’s time to carve and serve. Enjoy!
Conclusion
To cook a whole pig on a charcoal grill, you’ll need to start by preparing the charcoal. You’ll need about two pounds of charcoal for every pound of pig. Once the charcoal is ready, you’ll need to build a fire under the pig. You’ll want to put the pig on the grill when the coals are white hot. Once the pig is on the grill, you’ll need to turn it every half hour or so. You’ll know the pig is done when the meat is cooked all the way through and the skin is crisp.