Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Tangy Barbecue Sauce
Tender pulled pork shoulder smoked low and slow over wood chips, paired with a tangy and slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce perfect for sandwiches or plates. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 405 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder (bone-in), tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoon 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 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.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 cups smoked hickory wood chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 5 pounds pork shoulder and rub evenly with 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups smoked hickory wood chips for a steady smoke. Place pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for approximately 6 hours, maintaining 225°F until internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Step 3: While pork smokes, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove pork shoulder from smoker and wrap tightly in foil. Let rest for 45 minutes to reabsorb juices.
- Step 5: Unwrap and shred pork using two forks. Mix in half of the prepared barbecue sauce. Serve pulled pork with remaining sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Tangy Barbecue Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 405 minutes (45 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 Tangy Barbecue 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 Tangy Barbecue 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 Tangy Barbecue 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 Tangy Barbecue Sauce?
American grilling 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.
