Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced BBQ Sauce

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

Juicy pork shoulder smoked over hickory wood and shredded, served with a bold spiced barbecue sauce that complements the smoky richness. This american-inspired pork ready in about 750 minutes blends pork shoulder (Boston butt), kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 10, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 30 min Cook: 720 min Serves 10 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 3 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl. Rub this mix all over the 6 lb pork shoulder, massaging it into every crevice.
  2. Step 2: Set smoker to 225°F and add the soaked 3 large hickory wood chunks to the firebox for a steady smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 10-12 hours until the internal temperature reaches 205°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  4. Step 4: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup molasses, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker, let rest for 30 minutes, then shred with forks and toss with half of the spiced BBQ sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 750 minutes (30 min prep + 720 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced BBQ Sauce?

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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced BBQ Sauce 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced BBQ Sauce?

American 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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