Antiquated Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-smoked pork shoulder using traditional smoking methods, finished with a sweet-savory maple glaze for tender, fall-apart perfection. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 740 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 720 min Serves 8 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Pat 4 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp coarse sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place pork on smoker rack, fat-side up, and smoke for 5-6 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F, maintaining consistent heat.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Brush half the glaze over the pork shoulder, then continue smoking for another 1.5-2 hours, brushing with remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from smoker when internal temperature hits 195°F, let rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Antiquated Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 740 minutes (20 min prep + 720 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Antiquated Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Antiquated Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Antiquated Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Antiquated Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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