Smoked Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pulled pork shoulder smoked low and slow, finished with a rich maple glaze for a sweet and smoky balance. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, 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 450 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: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the 4-pound pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Soak 2 cups apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then drain. Prepare your smoker to maintain a steady 225°F temperature and add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder directly on the smoker grate and smoke for 6 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup maple syrup with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for 3 minutes until warm and combined.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and brush the maple glaze all over the meat. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then shred using two forks, tossing the pulled pork with the remaining glaze for a sweet, smoky finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder 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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder?

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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder?

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 Pulled Pork Shoulder 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 Pulled Pork Shoulder?

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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