Maple-Mustard Pulled Pork Shoulder in Slow Cooker
Fall-apart tender pork shoulder with a sweet-tangy glaze, perfect for sandwiches or bowls. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 735 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, bone-in pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp poultry seasoning, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Pour over pork, ensuring even coating.
- Step 2: Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until pork pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Remove pork and shred with two forks, discarding bones. Strain cooking liquid into a small saucepan, then simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until reduced by half and thickened. Stir reduced liquid into shredded pork until coated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Mustard Pulled Pork Shoulder in Slow Cooker take to make?
Total time is about 735 minutes (15 min prep + 720 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-Mustard Pulled Pork Shoulder in Slow Cooker?
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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Mustard Pulled Pork Shoulder in Slow Cooker?
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-Mustard Pulled Pork Shoulder in Slow Cooker 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-Mustard Pulled Pork Shoulder in Slow Cooker?
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
- ★★★★★
Best slow cooker recipe ever. The pork stayed juicy all day while I worked. Served with coleslaw and it was a hit at my potluck.
- ★★★★★
This pulled pork melted in my mouth! The maple-mustard balance was perfect for my kids' sandwiches. Made for Sunday dinner and had leftovers for three days.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe overall, but my slow cooker ran 2 hours longer than the recipe said. Still delicious though—worth the wait.
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