Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Maple-Bacon Glaze
Tender pulled pork smoked low and slow, finished with a rich maple syrup and bacon glaze for a perfect balance of smoky and sweet. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups apple wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over a 4 lb pork shoulder, coating all sides thoroughly.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked apple wood chips for smoke. Place the pork shoulder in the smoker fat side up and smoke for approximately 6 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
- Step 3: While the pork smokes, cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in crumbled bacon and remove from heat.
- Step 5: Once the pork reaches 195°F, remove from the smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Shred the pork using two forks, then toss with half of the maple-bacon glaze. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Maple-Bacon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Maple-Bacon Glaze?
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 Maple-Bacon Glaze?
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 Maple-Bacon Glaze 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 Maple-Bacon Glaze?
American 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.
