Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

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

Tender slow-smoked pork shoulder paired with a fresh, tangy salsa made from local heirloom tomatoes. This southern american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 405 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 Southern American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Rub this dry spice mix all over a 4 lb bone-in pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the pork and rub again to coat evenly. Let the pork rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Prepare your smoker and set temperature to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 6 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: While pork is smoking, combine 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate.
  5. Step 5: Once pork is done, let it rest for 20 minutes before shredding. Serve the pulled pork with a generous spoonful of heirloom tomato salsa on top for a bright contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Heirloom Tomato Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 405 minutes (45 min prep + 360 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Heirloom Tomato Salsa?

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 (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Heirloom Tomato Salsa?

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 Pork Shoulder with Heirloom Tomato Salsa 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 Pork Shoulder with Heirloom Tomato Salsa?

Southern 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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