Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Maine Blueberry Maple BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork smoked low and slow, paired with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce featuring fresh Maine blueberries and a hint of maple syrup. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 380 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder, 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 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: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of the 4-pound pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of apple wood chips for smoke flavor. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker grate and smoke for about 6 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 chopped bacon slices and cook until crispy and the fat renders, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup fresh Maine blueberries to the bacon fat and sauté for 3 minutes until they start to burst. Stir in 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 2 tablespoons Jim Beam bourbon. Simmer the sauce gently for 15 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Step 6: Toss the pulled pork with half of the blueberry maple BBQ sauce, reserving the rest for serving. Serve warm on buns or alongside your favorite sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Maine Blueberry Maple BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 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 with Maine Blueberry Maple 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 with Maine Blueberry Maple 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 Maine Blueberry Maple 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 Maine Blueberry Maple 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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