Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Apple Slaw

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

Tender slow-cooked pulled pork glazed with a sweet maple barbecue sauce, served alongside a crisp apple slaw for balanced flavor and texture. This american-inspired pork ready in about 500 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour half of the maple glaze over it, turning to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded with two forks.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1 medium julienned green apple, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 grated medium carrot in a bowl.
  5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth, then toss with the apple slaw mixture to coat.
  6. Step 6: When pork is done, remove from slow cooker and shred with forks, then stir in the remaining maple glaze warmed in the slow cooker.
  7. Step 7: Serve the pulled pork topped with the fresh apple slaw for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with 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 Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with 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 Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with 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 Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Apple Slaw?

American 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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