Smoky Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pork shoulder glazed with a rich smoky maple sauce, perfect for tender sandwiches or as a hearty main dish. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 230 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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: 210 min Serves 6 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side, creating a flavorful crust.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1/2 cup water. Pour this glaze over the pork shoulder.
  4. Step 4: Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and transfer to the oven. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks, mixing in the pan juices and glaze for maximum flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 230 minutes (20 min prep + 210 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork Shoulder?

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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