Slow-Roasted Midwest Pork Shoulder with Maple-Dijon Glaze

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

A hearty pork shoulder slow-roasted to tender perfection, accented by a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon glaze inspired by Midwestern flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, teaspoons salt, teaspoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Rub 4 pounds pork shoulder evenly with 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, pressing the spices into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork shoulder on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush half of the maple-Dijon glaze over the pork shoulder. Cover the skillet with foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil, brush remaining glaze over the pork, and roast uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and edges are caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Midwest Pork Shoulder with Maple-Dijon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 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-Roasted Midwest Pork Shoulder with Maple-Dijon 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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Midwest Pork Shoulder with Maple-Dijon 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 Slow-Roasted Midwest Pork Shoulder with Maple-Dijon Glaze 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 Slow-Roasted Midwest Pork Shoulder with Maple-Dijon Glaze?

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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