Applewood-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly smoked over applewood chips, finished with a sweet and tangy maple glaze that highlights the farm-to-table flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl; rub this spice blend evenly all over the 4 lbs pork shoulder. Let it rest uncovered in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked applewood chips to the smoking chamber. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate, close the lid, and smoke for about 6 hours or until internal temperature reaches 195°F, checking every hour to maintain smoke and temperature.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, whisk together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the pork shoulder generously with the maple glaze every 10 minutes, allowing it to form a sticky, caramelized coating.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and let it rest covered loosely with foil for 20 minutes before slicing or pulling to serve, letting the juices redistribute and the flavors deepen.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Applewood-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 Applewood-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 Applewood-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 Applewood-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze?

American bbq & smoked 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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