Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slaw

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

Slow-smoked pork shoulder brushed with a sweet maple glaze served alongside a crisp apple and cabbage slaw for a regional-inspired BBQ feast. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 440 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 8 American cuisine 540 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this dry spice mix all over the surface of the 4 lb pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder in the smoker and cook low and slow for 6-7 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F, brushing every hour with a glaze made by mixing 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, prepare the slaw by combining 1 large julienned green apple, 3 cups shredded red cabbage, and 1 large grated carrot in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. Pour this dressing over the apple-cabbage mixture and toss well to coat.
  5. Step 5: Once the pork shoulder is done, let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing or pulling. Serve the smoked maple-glazed pork warm alongside the crisp apple slaw for a balanced, regional-inspired BBQ meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slaw?

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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slaw?

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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slaw 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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slaw?

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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