Applewood-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Dry Rub

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

Juicy pork shoulder smoked over applewood with a blend of warm spices that create a flavorful crust and tender interior. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 900 minutes pairs pork shoulder, brown sugar, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 10, 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: 300 min Cook: 600 min Serves 10 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a bowl to form the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Trim excess fat from the 6 lbs pork shoulder and rub the spice mixture evenly all over the meat. Let it sit refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 3 cups applewood chips for a sweet smoke flavor.
  4. Step 4: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 8-10 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest uncovered for 30 minutes before shredding or slicing for serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Applewood-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 900 minutes (300 min prep + 600 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 Spiced Dry Rub?

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 Spiced Dry Rub?

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 Spiced Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 Spiced Dry Rub?

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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