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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 8 people
Course: dinner
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 3 –4 lb pork shoulder or pork butt
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
For the Brown Sugar Balsamic Glaze
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • ¼ cup water or broth optional, for extra moisture
Optional Additions
  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Fresh herbs for garnish
  • Sliced onions or carrots added to the slow cooker

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (crock pot)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or fork (for shredding pork)
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

Season and Sear the Pork
  1. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the pork on all sides for 2–3 minutes each until deeply browned.
  3. Why searing matters: Browning the pork adds caramelized flavor and locks in moisture as it slow cooks.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Balsamic Mixture
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. Brown sugar
  3. Balsamic vinegar
  4. Worcestershire sauce
  5. Soy sauce
  6. Minced garlic
  7. Thyme
  8. Rosemary
  9. This creates a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze that infuses the pork as it cooks.
Add Pork to the Slow Cooker
  1. Place the seared pork into the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the balsamic-brown sugar mixture over the top. Add water or broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Slow Cook to Perfection
  1. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (best for tenderness) or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  2. The pork is ready when it shreds easily with a fork.
  3. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken and take on a glossy, glaze-like consistency.
Shred and Coat the Pork
  1. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  2. Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce, coating it thoroughly.
  3. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes before mixing it back into the pork.
Serve Hot with Your Favorite Sides
  1. This pork is incredibly versatile and pairs well with classic comfort sides or lighter options.