Maple-Bacon Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango Sauce

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

Slow-smoked pulled pork infused with bacon flavor and topped with a tangy mango sauce, served on toasted buns for a delightful BBQ sandwich experience. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 630 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt), tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoon 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 520 calories and feeds 8, 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: 600 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over the entire 5-pound pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked applewood chips for a mild fruity smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder on the smoker rack and smoke for 8 to 10 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 205°F and the meat pulls apart easily.
  4. Step 4: While the pork smokes, cook 6 chopped bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes, then drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: In a blender, combine 1 cup diced fresh mango, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes. Blend until smooth to create a sweet and spicy mango sauce.
  6. Step 6: When the pork is done, remove it from the smoker and let rest for 20 minutes, then shred it using two forks and mix in the crispy bacon pieces and 1/4 cup maple syrup.
  7. Step 7: Toast 8 hamburger buns lightly on a grill or skillet until golden, then pile each bun with a generous portion of pulled pork and drizzle with the mango sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Bacon Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 630 minutes (30 min prep + 600 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Maple-Bacon Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango 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 Maple-Bacon Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango 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 Maple-Bacon Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango Sauce 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 Maple-Bacon Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango Sauce?

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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