Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, smoky pulled pork infused with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze, perfect for sandwiches or hearty plates. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 360 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked 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, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder in a bowl; rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of 4 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked hickory wood chips for smoke flavor. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate.
  3. Step 3: Smoke the pork shoulder for about 6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, maintaining a steady 225°F throughout.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup apple cider, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened to create the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes, then shred the meat with two forks and toss with the apple cider glaze before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze?

BBQ & Smoked 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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