Can I use maple syrup instead of honey for pulled pork?

A beloved barbeque dish in America and Canada, pulled pork is also extremely popular in the UK. Made using pork shoulder, the meat is either slow roasted or slow smoked until it becomes exceptionally tender and is named for its ability to be shredded easily and pulled apart.

Many recipes for pulled pork include honey as a sweetener, but maple syrup makes an excellent alternative that offers many advantages.

In this blog, we’ll look at what happens when you substitute honey with syrup, and some important adjustments worth noting to get the best results.

Swapping honey for pure maple syrup

Using a 1:1 ration, you can use maple syrup in pulled pork instead of honey. While it is a thinner condiment than honey, maple syrup can still create a sticky, glossy glaze for the dish. It also brings greater depth with its rich flavour and caramel tones.

Cooking adjustments required

As maple syrup and honey differ, chefs preparing pulled pork must adjust their cooking processes accordingly. These modifications centre on maple syrup being runnier than honey.

When braising or slow cooking pulled pork, it’s worth using less liquid to counter the thinner consistency of maple syrups so sauces don’t get too runny. If you’re creating a glaze for barbequed pulled pork, maple syrup can be reduced by simmering it in a saucepan. Only a few minutes cooking will reduce the syrup and thicken it so that it matches the consistency of honey.

How honey and maple syrup flavours differ

Using maple syrup rather than honey in pulled pork will introduce different flavours and aromas. While both condiments are natural sweeteners, honey is often associated with floral notes, and authentic maple syrup brings distinctive toffee and woody flavours that are a perfect pairing for pork shoulder and other robust meats. Maple syrup also offers additional nutrients and is a lower-calorie sweetener compared to honey.

For the best results making pulled pork, selecting grades like rich amber and dark robust maple syrup is always advised as they retain their deep flavour and nutritional value when roasted or slow cooked.