Slow-Smoked Kentucky Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, slow-smoked pork shoulder hand-pulled and coated in a tangy homemade mustard BBQ sauce inspired by Louisville's Southern flavors. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 400 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub this dry spice mix evenly over the entire 4 lbs pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked hickory or apple wood chips for smoke. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for about 6 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, whisk together 1 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp hot sauce (if using), and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and tangy, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Step 5: Toss the pulled pork with half of the mustard BBQ sauce to coat evenly. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Kentucky Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 400 minutes (40 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Kentucky Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Kentucky Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce?

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-Smoked Kentucky Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce 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-Smoked Kentucky Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce?

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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