Slow Cooker Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a rich bourbon glaze with a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder (boneless), bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the bourbon glaze evenly over the meat.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat.
  5. Step 5: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the glaze. Cook uncovered on low for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder (boneless) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Bourbon-Glazed Pork Shoulder?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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