Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Pickled Okra

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

Slow-simmered pork shoulder bathed in a sweet-savory maple glaze, served with tangy pickled okra for balance. This southern-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 160 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs pork shoulder dry and season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 2 sprigs fresh thyme to the pot, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Return pork to pot.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 3 tbsp pure maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, then pour over pork. Add enough water to reach halfway up the meat.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 hours until fork-tender, then remove pork and keep warm.
  6. Step 6: Simmer cooking liquid for 15 minutes to reduce by half, then strain and pour over sliced pork. Serve with 1 cup pickled okra on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Pickled Okra take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (25 min prep + 135 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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Pickled Okra?

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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Pickled Okra?

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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Pickled Okra 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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Pickled Okra?

Southern 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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