Mesquite-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Chipotle Adobo Sauce

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

Slow-smoked pork shoulder infused with rich mesquite smoke and served with a smoky chipotle adobo sauce perfect for slicing or shredding. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), 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 510 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire 4 lb pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Prepare a smoker with mesquite wood chips and preheat to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder fat side up and smoke for approximately 8 hours or until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: For the chipotle adobo sauce, mix 2 minced chipotle peppers, 3 tbsp adobo sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Let the smoked pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with warm chipotle adobo sauce drizzled on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mesquite-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Chipotle Adobo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mesquite-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Chipotle Adobo 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 Mesquite-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Chipotle Adobo 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 Mesquite-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Chipotle Adobo 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 Mesquite-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Chipotle Adobo Sauce?

BBQ & Smoked 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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