Maple-Bourbon Pulled Pork Shoulder
Fall-apart tender pork shoulder glazed in a sweet-savory bourbon-maple sauce, perfect for sandwiches or bowls. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 390 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, tablespoons dijon mustard, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 pounds pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub with 3 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup bourbon, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper—ensure all surfaces are evenly coated.
- Step 2: Place pork in slow cooker, nestling the onion mixture around it, and cook on LOW for 6 hours until fork-tender.
- Step 3: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and return to slow cooker. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Bourbon Pulled Pork Shoulder take to make?
Total time is about 390 minutes (15 min prep + 375 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 Maple-Bourbon Pulled Pork Shoulder?
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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Bourbon Pulled Pork Shoulder?
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-Bourbon Pulled Pork Shoulder 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 Maple-Bourbon Pulled Pork Shoulder?
American slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 375-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
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