Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple Slaw

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

Slow-smoked pork shoulder infused with oak smoke, shredded and served with a crisp, tangy apple slaw. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder (bone-in), large chunks oak wood chunks, tablespoons kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 3 large oak wood chunks to generate steady smoke.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly all over the 5-pound pork shoulder.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for about 8 hours or until internal temperature reaches 195°F, maintaining consistent smoke and temperature.
  4. Step 4: While the pork smokes, prepare the slaw by combining 1 medium julienned green apple, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, and 1 medium grated carrot in a large bowl.
  5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Pour the dressing over the apple and cabbage mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate slaw until ready to serve.
  7. Step 7: When pork is done, remove from smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Shred the pork using two forks and serve topped with the spiced apple slaw.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple Slaw?

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 large chunks oak wood chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple Slaw?

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 Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple Slaw 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 Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple Slaw?

American 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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