Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Maple Bacon Sauce
Tender pulled pork smoked low and slow, served with a rich maple bacon BBQ sauce featuring a hint of smoky sweetness. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 495 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl and rub evenly over the entire surface of 4 lbs pork shoulder. Let rest uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hardwood like hickory or oak. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker rack and smoke for 6-7 hours, maintaining temperature, until internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat pulls apart easily.
- Step 3: While the pork smokes, cook 4 slices chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tbsp of bacon fat.
- Step 4: In a saucepan, add reserved 2 tbsp bacon fat, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 5: When pork is done, let rest for 15 minutes, then shred with forks. Toss shredded pork with half of the maple bacon sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side and crispy bacon sprinkled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Maple Bacon Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 495 minutes (75 min prep + 420 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 Tangy Maple Bacon 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 Tangy Maple Bacon 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 Tangy Maple Bacon 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 Tangy Maple Bacon Sauce?
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.
