If you’ve got a slow cooker, you’re in for a treat. This recipe combines the rich, smoky goodness of slow-cooked pork loin with the sweet depth of brown sugar and a hint of bourbon’s warmth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds pork loin
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup bourbon
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Begin by creating a spice mix in a small bowl. Combine 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Take this spice blend and massage it evenly onto all sides of the 2-pound pork loin. Spend about 1 minute doing this to ensure it’s well seasoned. Place the seasoned pork loin into a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, blend 1 cup of packed brown sugar, ½ cup of bourbon, and ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar until thoroughly mixed. Pour this flavorful mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker. Seal the slow cooker with its lid.
- Set your slow cooker to Low heat and let it work its magic for the next 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork becomes tender.
- When the pork reaches that desirable tenderness, take it out of the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. Mix this tender, shredded pork with the crumbled bacon.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 376
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
- Sodium: 481mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 29g
Please remember that these nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on factors like the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Before placing the pork loin in the slow cooker, consider searing it in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. This will enhance the flavor and add an appealing texture to your pulled pork.
- While cooking, choose a bourbon that you enjoy sipping. The flavors will infuse into the meat, so a bourbon you like will lead to a more enjoyable dish.
- For tender pulled pork, resist the urge to increase the cooking temperature. Low and slow is the key. Cooking on low for 8-10 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.