Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Heirloom Tomato Slaw

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

Tender pulled pork smoked low and slow, paired with a fresh heirloom tomato slaw for a balanced Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 510 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked sea 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp smoked sea salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over a 4 lb pork shoulder, coating all sides.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and place the pork shoulder inside. Smoke for approximately 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, prepare the slaw by combining 2 cups chopped heirloom tomatoes, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1/4 cup chopped green onion in a mixing bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the tomato and cabbage mixture and toss gently until coated. Refrigerate the slaw until ready to serve.
  6. Step 6: Once the pork is done, let rest for 20 minutes, then shred it using two forks. Serve the pulled pork topped with the heirloom tomato slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Heirloom Tomato Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 510 minutes (30 min prep + 480 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 Heirloom Tomato Slaw?

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 with Heirloom Tomato Slaw?

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 Heirloom Tomato Slaw 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 Heirloom Tomato Slaw?

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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