Soulful Maple Bourbon Glazed Pulled Pork

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork shoulder infused with sweet maple syrup and deep bourbon notes, creating a tender, flavorful dish inspired by soulful storytelling. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs boneless pork shoulder, 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: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a small bowl to create a dry rub. Rub this evenly all over the 4 lb boneless pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard to make the glaze.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker and pour the maple bourbon glaze over it. Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices to coat evenly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soulful Maple Bourbon Glazed Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Soulful Maple Bourbon Glazed Pulled Pork?

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 boneless pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soulful Maple Bourbon Glazed Pulled Pork?

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 Soulful Maple Bourbon Glazed Pulled Pork 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 Soulful Maple Bourbon Glazed Pulled Pork?

American 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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