Savory Beer-Braised Pork with Tangy Sauerkraut
Indulge in a flavorful dish that combines the hearty taste of tender pork shoulder with the tartness of sauerkraut, all enhanced by a rich dark beer. This Savory Beer-Braised Pork with Tangy Sauerkraut is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in succulent meat that falls apart effortlessly and a side of perfectly seasoned, tangy cabbage. Ideal for family gatherings and special occasions, this recipe showcases the comforting flavors of traditional cuisine. Serve it with crusty bread or potatoes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sauerkraut
32 ounces (undrained)
sugar
1.5 tablespoons (to sprinkle over sauerkraut)
dark beer or ale
12 ounces (for braising)
boneless pork shoulder or pork butt roast
3.5 pounds (fat side up)
salt
0.5 teaspoon (to season pork)
garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon (to season pork)
black pepper
0.25 teaspoon (to season pork)
paprika
to taste (to season pork)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by placing the undrained sauerkraut in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2
2. Evenly sprinkle the sugar over the sauerkraut, then pour the dark beer or ale on top to combine the flavors.
3
3. Carefully place the boneless pork shoulder on top of the sauerkraut mixture, ensuring the fat side faces up.
4
4. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over the pork shoulder to infuse it with flavor.
5
5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the HIGH setting for 6 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful.
6
6. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a serving platter and use a slotted spoon to remove the sauerkraut, arranging it around the pork.
7
7. If desired, spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid over the sauerkraut for added moisture and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cut of meat used in this beer-braised pork recipe?
The recipe calls for 3.5 pounds of boneless pork shoulder or pork butt roast.
How long does it take to cook the pork in the slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on the HIGH setting for 6 hours.
Should I drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you should use 32 ounces of undrained sauerkraut as the base of the dish.
What type of beer is recommended for this recipe?
A rich dark beer or an ale is recommended to enhance the savory flavors of the pork.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Why is sugar added to the sauerkraut?
1.5 tablespoons of sugar are sprinkled over the sauerkraut to help balance its natural tartness.
Which way should the fat side of the pork face during cooking?
The pork should be placed on top of the sauerkraut with the fat side facing up.
What spices are used in the pork rub?
The rub consists of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
What are some suggested side dishes for this pork?
This dish is best served with crusty bread or potatoes for a complete meal.
How much beer is required for the braising liquid?
You will need 12 ounces of dark beer or ale.
What is the first step in assembling the slow cooker ingredients?
Begin by placing the undrained sauerkraut in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Is the pork roast bone-in or boneless?
The recipe specifies using a boneless pork roast.
How do I serve the sauerkraut once it is finished cooking?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sauerkraut and arrange it around the pork on a serving platter.
Can I use the cooking liquid after the pork is done?
Yes, you can spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid over the sauerkraut for added moisture.
What is the texture of the pork after 6 hours of slow cooking?
The pork becomes succulent and falls apart effortlessly.
How much garlic powder is used in the seasoning rub?
The rub uses 0.25 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much salt is used in the seasoning rub?
The recipe calls for 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is used in the seasoning rub?
The recipe calls for 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is paprika measured or added to preference?
The paprika should be added to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish considered a traditional meal?
Yes, it showcases the comforting flavors of traditional cuisine.
Can I use a pork butt roast instead of shoulder?
Yes, the recipe allows for either a pork shoulder or a pork butt roast.
Should I mix the spices before rubbing them on the pork?
Yes, mix the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl before applying it to the meat.
What size of sauerkraut container is used?
A 32-ounce container of sauerkraut is required.
Can I cook this on a low setting instead of high?
The specific instructions provided are for a HIGH setting for 6 hours; cooking on low would likely require a significantly longer time.
Is the sugar mixed into the beer before pouring?
No, the sugar is sprinkled over the sauerkraut first, then the beer is poured on top.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Yes, its 8-serving yield and comforting nature make it ideal for family gatherings and special occasions.
Does the recipe require any liquid other than the beer and sauerkraut juice?
No, the 12 ounces of beer and the liquid from the undrained sauerkraut provide all the necessary moisture.
Should the seasonings be applied to all sides of the pork?
Yes, you should rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder to infuse it with flavor.
What makes this dish savory and tangy?
The savory elements come from the beer and seasoned pork, while the tangy flavor is provided by the sauerkraut.