Get ready to transform an ordinary pork shoulder into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the recipe! This Brown Sugar and Balsamic Slow Cooked Pork is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines the rich, deep sweetness of brown sugar with the tangy complexity of balsamic vinegar, creating a dish so tender it practically falls apart at the mere mention of a fork. Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly slow-cooked meat that's been infusing with incredible flavors for hours – this recipe is about to become your new dinner time superhero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather the pork shoulder, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure to have a slow cooker ready for use.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder to ensure a leaner dish. This will help reduce grease in the final product.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the brown sugar and balsamic mixture over the pork, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the pork to cook for approximately 6 hours. This low and slow method will ensure the pork becomes tender and flavorful.
- After 6 hours, check the pork for doneness. It should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork. If it is not yet tender, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, checking periodically.
- Once the pork is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before shredding.
- While the pork is resting, you can strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. This will allow you to reduce the sauce if desired. Simmer the liquid over medium heat until it thickens to your liking.
- Shred the pork using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with some of the cooking liquid for added flavor and moisture.
- Serve the brown sugar and balsamic slow-cooked pork warm, drizzled with the reduced sauce if you made it. This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Enjoy your delicious meal with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always opt for a pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) with some marbling. The fat helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
- Trim Wisely: While you want to remove excessive fat, leave a thin layer to help keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. The seasoning is crucial for developing deep flavor throughout the meat.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The 6-hour cooking time is key to achieving that fall-apart tenderness.
- Sauce Reduction Magic: If you choose to reduce the cooking liquid, watch it carefully to prevent burning. The result is a rich, concentrated sauce that takes the dish to the next level.
- Resting is Important: Always let the meat rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this pork pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
