Beer-Braised Pulled Pork: The Ultimate Slow-Cooked Comfort Food

Written by Sarah Gardner
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If you're craving the kind of comfort food that makes your whole house smell like a rustic backyard cookout, this Beer-Braised Pulled Pork is what you need. This recipe turns humble pork shoulder into a tender, juicy, flavor-packed pile of meaty goodness—all slow-cooked in a malty beer bath with onions, garlic, and spices. Whether you're feeding a crowd, planning a casual weeknight meal, or building a DIY pulled pork bar for game day, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying.

Beer-Braised Pulled pork PIN IT

Beer-Braised Pulled Pork

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid For searing and braising. Alternative: A deep oven-safe skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Tongs To easily flip and shred the pork.
  • Forks or meat claws For shredding once the pork is done.
  • Slow cooker If you're going the set-it-and-forget-it route, this recipe easily adapts into one of the best pulled pork crock pot recipes around.

Ingredients
  

  • 3 –4 lb pork shoulder bone-in or boneless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 12 oz bottle of dark beer like stout or porter for richness
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving
  • Optional toppings: pickles slaw, sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

Prep the Pork

  1. Pat your pork shoulder dry and rub all over with salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Let it sit while you prep the rest.
    raw pork shoulder resting on a wooden cutting board PIN IT

Sear the Pork

  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for about 3 minutes per side until browned all over. Remove and set aside.
    thick cut of pork shoulder being seared PIN IT

Sauté Aromatics

  1. In the same pot, add the onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
    sliced onions being sautéed in olive oil PIN IT

Deglaze with Beer

  1. Pour in the beer, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add barbecue sauce and stir.

Braise

  1. Return the pork to the pot, cover, and place in a 325°F oven for about 3.5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Shred and Sauce

  1. Remove the pork, shred it with forks, then return it to the pot and mix it with the beer sauce. Add extra barbecue sauce to taste.

Pairings

Serve your beer-braised pulled pork over buttered brioche buns for an epic pulled pork burger, or toss it into warm tortillas for pulled pork tacos with lime crema and pickled onions. Looking for pulled pork dinner ideas beyond sandwiches? Pile it over creamy mashed potatoes or even mac and cheese for a rich, hearty plate. A side of tangy coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted corn makes everything better. And don't forget the beer—match it with the same brew you used in the braise for the perfect pairing.

FAQs

1. What cut of pork should I use?

Pork shoulder is ideal for this recipe—it’s got the perfect fat content and marbling for slow cooked pulled pork. You can use bone-in or boneless depending on what you have.

2. Can I make this in a crockpot?

Absolutely. This is one of those easy pulled pork crock pot recipes you’ll keep coming back to. Just sear the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

3. Can I substitute chicken?

If you're not a pork fan, this recipe also works great with chicken thighs. It's not quite the same as traditional pulled pork, but it gives you another angle for your chicken breast recipes lineup. Just avoid using lean cuts like chicken breast, as they tend to dry out during long cook times.

4. How do I serve pulled pork for a crowd?

Set up a pulled pork bar with buns, tortillas, pickles, slaw, sauces, and toppings. Let everyone build their own plate—it’s interactive, fun, and perfect for parties or game nights.

5. How long can I store it?

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. It reheats beautifully for sandwiches, tacos, or even breakfast hash.

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