Braised Kentucky-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder with Molasses Glaze

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

Slow-braised pork shoulder infused with smoky spices and finished with a rich molasses glaze, inspired by traditional Upper South flavors. This southern united states-inspired pork ready in about 230 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 480 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 Southern United States cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and sauté 1 large sliced yellow onion in the same pot for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, scraping up browned bits, then add 1 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup molasses, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Return pork shoulder to the pot, cover tightly, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork, tent with foil to rest. Simmer the braising liquid over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until it thickens into a rich glaze.
  7. Step 7: Slice or shred pork and drizzle with molasses glaze before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Kentucky-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder with Molasses Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 230 minutes (20 min prep + 210 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 Braised Kentucky-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder with Molasses 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 Braised Kentucky-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder with Molasses 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 Braised Kentucky-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder with Molasses Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Braised Kentucky-Style Smoked Pork Shoulder with Molasses Glaze?

Southern United States pork 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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