Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, slow-smoked pulled pork shoulder glazed with a tangy homemade mustard BBQ sauce inspired by Southern traditions. This southern-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 400 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar 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 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over the 4 pounds pork shoulder, then coat it thoroughly with the dry rub mixture. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for about 6 hours, adding 1 cup water to the smoker water pan to maintain moisture.
  4. Step 4: While the pork smokes, whisk together 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: After 6 hours, check the pork’s internal temperature; it should reach 195°F for tender pulling. Remove from the smoker and let rest for 20 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Using two forks, shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1/3 cup of the prepared mustard BBQ sauce before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce?

Southern 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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