Authentic Southern Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach Glaze

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

A true testament to Carolina barbecue tradition, featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder with a sweet-tart peach finish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 380 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoke wood chips, paprika 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from 5 lbs pork shoulder, then rub with 2 tbsp paprika, 3 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Soak 1 cup smoke wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then drain and spread on a charcoal grill bed.
  3. Step 3: Place pork shoulder on indirect heat side of grill, cover, and smoke at 225°F for 6 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  4. Step 4: While pork smokes, puree 1.5 lbs peeled and pitted peaches with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp honey until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill, wrap tightly in foil, and rest for 45 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Slice pork shoulder against the grain, then drizzle with peach glaze just before serving to achieve glossy, sticky finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Southern Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 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 Authentic Southern Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach 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 Authentic Southern Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach 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 Authentic Southern Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach 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 Authentic Southern Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach 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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