Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mesquite BBQ Sauce

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

Tender pulled pork shoulder slow-smoked over mesquite wood, served with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 520 minutes blends pork shoulder (Boston butt), 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 480 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: 480 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar to make a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lbs pork shoulder all over with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat to coat thoroughly. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add enough mesquite wood chunks to maintain smoke for 8 hours.
  4. Step 4: Place pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 7-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes, then shred the meat using two forks.
  6. Step 6: Toss the pulled pork with 1 cup mesquite BBQ sauce and serve warm on its own or with buns for sandwiches.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mesquite BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 520 minutes (40 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mesquite 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mesquite 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mesquite 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mesquite BBQ Sauce?

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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