Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Maple-Mustard Glaze

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-roasted to perfection and coated with a glossy maple-mustard glaze that balances sweetness and tang. This american-inspired pork ready in about 320 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: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). 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 to form a crust.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush the maple-mustard glaze generously over the pork shoulder. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 4 to 5 hours, basting every hour with the glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Pork Shoulder with Maple-Mustard 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 Pork Shoulder with Maple-Mustard 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 Pork Shoulder with Maple-Mustard 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 Pork Shoulder with Maple-Mustard 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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