Easy Beer Braised Pulled Pork

Name: Easy Beer Braised Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 to 5 pound pork shoulder roast; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 bottle of beer, about 12 ounces; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

This tender pulled pork is a simple set it and forget it dinner that tastes like it spent all day in a smoker.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 18, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

4 hours

Total

4 hours 15 minutes

Serves

This beer braised pulled pork is one of my favorite recipes when I want a hearty meal without standing over the stove all day. You just rub the pork, give it a quick sear, and let the oven do the rest of the work. The beer and vinegar turn into such a lovely, rich sauce that keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

My top tip is to use a dark lager or a brown ale if you can find one, as the deeper flavors really hold up well during the long cook time. If you want that classic backyard barbecue taste, definitely add that splash of liquid smoke before you pop the lid on.

🧺 Ingredients

4 to 5 pound pork shoulder roast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 bottle of beer, about 12 ounces
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
2
Mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl, then rub the mixture all over the pork roast.
3
Heat a splash of oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium high heat and sear the pork on all sides until it is nicely browned.
4
Pour the beer and apple cider vinegar into the pot, scraping the bottom with a spoon to release any tasty bits.
5
Stir in the liquid smoke if you are using it, then cover the pot with a tight lid.
6
Transfer to the oven and cook for about 3 to 4 hours or until the meat pulls apart easily with a fork.
7
Remove the pork to a cutting board, shred the meat with two forks, and stir it back into the juices in the pot before serving.

💡 Tips

Serve this pulled pork on soft brioche buns with coleslaw, or use leftovers for tacos and loaded baked potatoes. You can store the shredded meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for a quick meal later.

#pork #dinner #slow cook #comfort food

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