Slow-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Honey Mustard Glaze

Pork shoulder is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender and juicy when cooked low and slow. This recipe uses a slow-grilling technique on the Arteflame grill, paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, to create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal.

This is great for an all-day grilling party.  Put the pork shoulder on when you're grilling lunch and just check on it once in a while.  It'll be perfect by dinner time!

Ingredients

For the Pork Shoulder:

• 1 bone-in pork shoulder (about 6-8 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Honey Mustard Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Sides:

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Roasted sweet potatoes

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Start by firing up your Arteflame grill. Set it up for indirect grilling, allowing for a slow, even cook. Aim to maintain a grill temperature of around 250°F to 275°F for slow-grilling the pork shoulder.

2. Prepare the Pork Shoulder

In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and dried thyme. Rub the pork shoulder all over with olive oil, then generously coat it with the spice mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Let the pork shoulder sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Slow Grill the Pork Shoulder

Place the pork shoulder on the grill away from the direct heat source. Cook the pork shoulder low and slow for about 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F to 205°F. This slow cooking process allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in tender, juicy meat.  You can do this on the flat cooktop but you can also do it inside the Arteflame!  Just clear one side inside the grill and put the pork shoulder on the fire base away from the charcoal / wood.  This will give it an incredable smokey flavor!

4. Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze

While the pork is cooking, prepare the honey mustard glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Set aside.

5. Glaze the Pork Shoulder

When the pork shoulder reaches an internal temperature of about 180°F, begin basting it with the honey mustard glaze. Continue to baste every 20-30 minutes until the pork reaches the desired temperature and the glaze has caramelized on the surface.

6. Rest and Shred the Pork

Once the pork shoulder has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any excess fat or bone.  For those that like a crisp; briefly grill smaller pieces of the pork shoulder directly on the center grill grate.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the shredded pork with extra honey mustard glaze on the side, along with grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, and roasted sweet potatoes. The combination of tender, flavorful pork and the sweet, tangy glaze is sure to be a hit.

Tips for the Best Results

• Slow and Low: Cooking the pork shoulder low and slow ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
• Resting Time: Allow the pork to rest before shredding to keep it juicy and tender.
• Glaze Variations: Customize the glaze by adding different flavors like maple syrup, brown sugar, or a splash of bourbon.

Conclusion

Slow-grilled pork shoulder is a classic dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a hearty meal at home. The honey mustard glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the rich, tender pork. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meal.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Pork Shoulder: Substitute the honey mustard glaze with a spicy BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
2. Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder: Marinate the pork shoulder in a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and oregano for a Cuban-inspired twist.
3. Apple Cider Brined Pork Shoulder: Brine the pork shoulder in apple cider and spices overnight before grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
4. Korean-Style Pork Shoulder: Use a marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and gochujang for a spicy, savory twist on the classic.
5. Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder: Rub the pork with a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic, herbaceous flavor.

Best Pairings

• Drink: A crisp apple cider or a full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel pairs well with the richness of the pork.
• Side Dish: Baked beans or a tangy potato salad make excellent sides for this dish.
• Dessert: A classic apple pie or a peach cobbler to finish the meal with a sweet touch.