Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Recipe
This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded pork shoulder cooked low and slow in a rich and tangy balsamic-brown sugar sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, the pork effortlessly absorbs the sweet and savory blend of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and spices, resulting in a dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted buns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 5-6 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pork:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Add Pork to Slow Cooker: Place the pork shoulder directly into the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour and Coat: Pour the prepared sauce over the pork shoulder, making sure the meat is thoroughly coated. Spoon some sauce over the top for maximum flavor coverage.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large plate or bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return and Mix: Place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to absorb all the rich flavors, letting it soak for a few minutes.
- Serve: Serve the hot shredded pork with your favorite sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or inside toasted buns for delicious sandwiches.
Notes
- Choose the right cut of pork shoulder or pork butt for its marbling and shredding ease.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use leftovers creatively in sliders, quesadillas, nachos, or grain bowls.
- For extra richness, after removing the pork, simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes to reduce and thicken before mixing it back in.
- Trim any thick fat cap off the pork before cooking to avoid overly greasy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freeze in a freezer-safe container with sauce for up to 3 months.
Keywords: slow cooker pork, shredded pork, balsamic pork, brown sugar pork, slow cooker recipes, easy pork recipe, pork shoulder slow cooker, shredded pork sandwiches