Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Maple Blueberry BBQ Sauce

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

Tender slow-smoked pulled pork paired with a sweet and tangy maple blueberry BBQ sauce infused with a hint of Jim Beam whiskey. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 400 minutes blends pork shoulder, kosher salt, 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for about 6 hours, maintaining 225°F, until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender enough to pull apart.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, prepare the maple blueberry BBQ sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil and add 1 cup fresh blueberries, cooking for 5 minutes until they start to burst.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Jim Beam whiskey, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp chipotle powder to the pan. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Step 6: Toss the pulled pork with half of the maple blueberry BBQ sauce, reserving the rest for serving. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 400 minutes (40 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 Maple Blueberry 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 Maple Blueberry 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 Maple Blueberry 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 Maple Blueberry 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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