Description
Succulent balsamic brown sugar pork roast promises a mouthwatering journey through rich, tangy flavors that melt in your mouth. Tender meat infused with sweet and savory notes will transport you to a comforting culinary paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3.4 pounds (1.5 kilograms) pork shoulder
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) to taste
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
Instructions
- Meticulously trim exterior fat from pork shoulder, creating a lean foundation for maximum flavor absorption.
- Caramelize chopped onions in a skillet until golden and translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics for approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the onion base, sautéing briefly to unlock its pungent essence without burning.
- Craft a harmonious balsamic glaze by whisking brown sugar and vinegar together, creating a complex sweet-tangy liquid.
- Strategically position seasoned pork in the slow cooker, ensuring even coating with the onion-garlic medley and balsamic reduction.
- Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow the meat to tenderize gradually over 8 hours, or accelerate on high setting for 4 hours.
- Assess meat’s readiness by testing its ability to effortlessly pull apart with a fork, indicating perfect doneness and optimal moisture.
- Gently shred the succulent pork using two forks, separating the meat into delicate, flavor-packed strands.
- Plate the tender meat on soft buns or rustic plates, generously drizzling the rich, caramelized cooking liquid as a final flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Selecting the right cut matters tremendously for tender results, so choose a well-marbled pork shoulder with some fat for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Searing the meat before slow cooking creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that locks in rich, deep flavors and enhances overall taste profile.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, ensure all ingredients like balsamic vinegar are certified gluten-free and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional buns.
- Leftovers transform beautifully into tacos, salad toppers, or pulled pork sandwiches, making this recipe an incredibly versatile meal prep option that saves time and reduces food waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg