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Tender Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner

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A simple and satisfying slow cooker pulled pork recipe featuring a sweet and smoky brown sugar bourbon BBQ sauce, perfect for easy dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: onion powder or chopped onions
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Trim any excessive fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture. Pat dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 cup BBQ sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth (about 3 minutes).
  3. Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned (about 4 minutes per side).
  4. Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top, coating the meat.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Remove the pork shoulder carefully. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or more BBQ sauce if needed. Add hot sauce for extra kick if desired.
  8. Serve the pulled pork on buns, over rice, or with coleslaw. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers.

Notes

If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking the pork at 7 hours to avoid drying out. Do not skip the slow cook method for best tenderness. Optional searing adds flavor but can be skipped. For a gluten-free option, verify BBQ sauce ingredients. Bourbon can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or water with liquid smoke. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with added moisture to prevent drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, bourbon BBQ, brown sugar, easy dinner, BBQ pulled pork, crockpot recipe

Find it online: https://grubella.com/tender-brown-sugar-bourbon-bbq-pulled-pork-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-dinner/