Miso-Infused Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze

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

A slow-cooked pork shoulder that imbues deeply savory miso and maple flavors into every tender bite. This asian-inspired slow cooker (gluten-free) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, white miso paste, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 1.5 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp soy sauce until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Rub the miso mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder, pressing gently to adhere. Place in a slow cooker and top with 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp sesame oil.
  3. Step 3: Cook on LOW for 8 hours until fork-tender and pulling away from the bone. Remove pork, tent with foil, and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened to a glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Infused Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Miso-Infused Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze?

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 Miso-Infused Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze?

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 Miso-Infused Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Miso-Infused Pork Shoulder with Maple Glaze gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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