Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork smoked low and slow to juicy perfection, paired with a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce that balances smoky richness with bright acidity. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 400 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), kosher salt, ground 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: 40 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp ground black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder in a small bowl to create a dry rub. Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and evenly coat it with the rub, pressing gently so it adheres.
  2. Step 2: Soak 2 cups apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then preheat your smoker to 225°F using the soaked wood chips for smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for approximately 6 hours, maintaining a steady 225°F, until internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  4. Step 4: While the pork smokes, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup yellow mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker and let rest 20 minutes. Shred the pork shoulder using two forks, then toss gently with 1 cup water to moisten.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pulled pork generously drizzled with the tangy mustard BBQ sauce alongside your favorite sides.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Mustard 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 Tangy Mustard 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 Tangy Mustard 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 Tangy Mustard 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 Tangy Mustard BBQ 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.

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