Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Jalapeño Honey Glaze

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

Tender slow-smoked pork shoulder finished with a sweet and spicy jalapeño honey glaze, perfect for slicing or shredding for sandwiches or plates. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 495 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 550 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: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder. Rub this dry mix evenly over a 4 lb bone-in pork shoulder. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker rack fat side up and smoke for approximately 8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes until infused and combined.
  4. Step 4: In the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the jalapeño honey glaze over the pork shoulder every 10 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Jalapeño Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Jalapeño Honey 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 pork shoulder (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Jalapeño Honey 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Jalapeño Honey 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Jalapeño Honey Glaze?

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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