Get ready to elevate your barbecue game with a mouthwatering dish that promises to impress your family and friends! This Beer Braised Barbecue Pork Butt is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, flavorful meat with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a low-and-slow cooking method, you can create a feast that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply indulging in some delicious American cuisine. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth perfection that will make you the star of any cookout!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs pork butt
- 1 can beer
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4-5 lbs of pork butt, 1 can of beer, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help tenderize the pork butt and infuse it with flavor.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork butt, if desired. This will help reduce the greasiness of the final dish while still keeping it moist.
- In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Rub the prepared spice mixture all over the pork butt, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
- In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork butt on all sides until it is nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- After searing, carefully pour the can of beer into the pot around the pork butt. The beer will help to deglaze the pot, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the pork to braise for approximately 6 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Let the pork butt rest for about 15-20 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
- After shredding, mix the pork with the remaining juices in the pot to keep it moist. If desired, you can also stir in additional barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve the beer-braised barbecue pork butt on buns, over rice, or on its own with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious American-style barbecue!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled pork butt for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render down during cooking, keeping the meat juicy.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the pork before braising enhances the overall flavor and adds a delicious crust.
- Beer Selection: Use a beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will infuse into the meat. A lager or a stout works wonderfully for this recipe.
- Low and Slow: The key to tender pork is cooking it low and slow. Resist the urge to crank up the heat; patience is your best friend here!
- Rest Before Shredding: Allow the pork to rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to shred and more flavorful.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the barbecue sauce to your liking. Adding a bit of spice or sweetness can create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
- Serve Creatively: This versatile dish can be served on buns, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos. Get creative with your serving ideas!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
