Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

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

Tender pork shoulder smoked low and slow, shredded and tossed in tangy Carolina-style mustard barbecue sauce for a Southern classic. This American Southern-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 435 minutes, pairs pork shoulder (Boston butt), bone-in, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 420 min Serves 8 American Southern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper in a bowl. Rub this spice mix thoroughly over the entire surface of the 4 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Prepare smoker to 225°F using 2 cups hickory or applewood chips for smoke. Place pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate.
  3. Step 3: Smoke the pork for approximately 6-7 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender enough to shred easily.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a bowl until smooth and sugar dissolves.
  5. Step 5: Once pork is done, remove from smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Shred pork using two forks and toss with the prepared mustard barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Serve on buns or plates.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce?

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 yellow mustard from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Carolina 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 with Carolina 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 with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce?

American Southern 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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