Pulled pork is a quintessential BBQ meal. When slow-cooked the pork shoulder transforms into fall-apart tender meat dripping with spice and smoke. But who has 8+ hours for traditional pulled pork? This is where the microwave saves the day! With just minutes of microwave time you can enjoy delicious Jack Daniel’s infused pulled pork fast.
As a busy home cook and pulled pork lover, I’ve perfected a method for microwaving flavorful, juicy pulled pork in a fraction of the time. Keep reading for my guide to microwave Jack Daniel’s pulled pork success!
Why Microwave Pulled Pork?
Microwaving pulled pork offers three big benefits:
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Speed – traditional pulled pork takes 8-12 hours in a slow cooker or smoker. The microwave cooks it in under 30 minutes.
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Convenience – no need to monitor a slow cooker or smoker. Just pop it in the microwave and go.
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Flavor infusion – the microwave helps infuse the Jack Daniel’s deeply into the pork.
Microwaving allows the whiskey and spices to penetrate the meat quickly, delivering tender, seasoned pork ASAP. Let’s get microwaving!
Essential Ingredients
To nail Jack Daniel’s pulled pork in the microwave you’ll need
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Pork shoulder – use bone-in for more flavor. Cut into 1-inch chunks.
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Jack Daniel’s whiskey – use 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup to flavor the pork.
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BBQ sauce – use 1⁄2 cup of your favorite sauce. Sweet and smoky works best.
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Seasonings – brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder.
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Buns – soft rolls or slider buns to serve the finished pork.
Prep the Pork
Proper prep ensures tender microwaved pork:
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Trim excess fat – this prevents greasiness. Leave some fat for flavor.
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Cut into chunks – 1-inch chunks cook quicker than a whole roast.
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Season simply – just salt, pepper and garlic powder. We’ll add more flavor later.
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Arrange in a microwave-safe dish – flat pieces cook more evenly.
Proper pork prep sets you up for succulent microwave success. Now, bring on the flavor!
Infuse with Jack Daniel’s
Here’s how to infuse potent whiskey flavor:
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In a bowl, mix 1⁄4 cup Jack Daniel’s with 1⁄2 cup BBQ sauce. Adjust amounts to taste.
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Add a tablespoon of brown sugar, a teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1⁄2 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder. Mix well.
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Pour whiskey sauce over pork chunks in the microwave-safe dish. Toss to coat evenly.
The Jack Daniel’s and spice mix delivers sweet, smoky, boozy flavor. Microwaving drives the sauce deep into the pork.
Microwave to Perfection
With your pork prepped and sauced, it’s go time!
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Microwave on high for 7 minutes per pound. For 2 pounds of pork, that’s 14 minutes.
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Let the pork rest 5 minutes before shredding. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Shred pork with two forks right in the dish to soak up all the sauce.
And that’s it! With just minutes of microwave time, you’ve got tender, saucy, Jack-infused pulled pork ready to devour.
Handy Tips for Microwaved Pork Perfection
To take your microwaved pork next level, keep these tips in mind:
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Stir halfway through cooking to redistribute sauce and heat.
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Cover with a vented lid or paper towel to contain splatters.
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Add extra whiskey and spices to amp up the flavors.
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Mix in reserved pork juices after shredding for bonus flavor.
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Let the pork rest longer if needed to reach ideal tenderness.
Mastering these microwave pork tips will help you achieve ultimate texture and taste every time.
Mouthwatering Ways to Serve Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork
Now that your whiskey-kissed pulled pork is ready, how will you serve it up? Here are my favorite options:
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Pulled pork sandwiches – pile pork high on brioche buns with extra sauce and coleslaw.
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Loaded nachos – top tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, avocado, jalapeños, etc.
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Twice baked potatoes – fill potato halves with pork and top with cheese, bacon and green onion.
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Breakfast tacos – wrap pulled pork in warm tortillas with scrambled eggs and cheese for a savory start to the day.
However you enjoy it, Jack Daniel’s pulled pork adds a flavor-packed punch to meals and snacks. Try it in these recipes:
The possibilities are endless with versatile, delicious pulled pork!
Perfect Pairings for Pulled Pork
No plates of pulled pork are complete without tasty sides. Here are my top picks:
Slaws – Cool, crunchy slaws balance the rich pork. Try:
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Tangy vinegar-based slaw
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Creamy mayo coleslaw
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Crunchy broccoli slaw
Mac and Cheese – Gooey, cheesy mac is a pulled pork favorite. Bake a skillet version quickly while the pork microwaves.
Baked Beans – Sweet, smoky baked beans pair perfectly. Doctor up canned beans or make your own.
Cornbread – Moist cornbread complements the pork’s southern flair. Quick mixes make it easy.
Fries – Crispy fries satisfy cravings for crunch amidst the tender pork. Bake them while the pork microwaves.
With sides like these, your Jack Daniel’s pulled pork will be amazing from the first bite to the last.
Frequently Asked Microwave Pork Questions
If you’re new to microwaving pulled pork, you likely have some questions. Here are answers to the most common:
How long does it take to microwave pulled pork?
- Plan on 7 minutes per pound on high power. A 2 lb pork shoulder takes 14 minutes.
Should I cover the pork while microwaving?
- Yes, use a vented lid or paper towel to contain splatters.
What cut of pork works best?
- Bone-in pork shoulder has the most flavor and tenderness.
Can I use bourbon instead of Jack Daniel’s?
- Certainly! Use your favorite bourbon or whiskey.
Is bbq sauce necessary?
- It’s optional but recommended. The sauce flavors the pork and keeps it moist.
Do I need to rest the pork after microwaving?
- Yes, letting it rest 5+ minutes allows juices to redistribute so the pork stays juicy.
Take Your Microwave Pork to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s fun to start experimenting and customizing your Jack Daniel’s pork recipe. Try these next-level ideas:
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Use a smoky chipotle bbq sauce or sweet and spicy Asian sauce.
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Toast spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel to add deeper flavor.
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Shred 1-2 grilled jalapenos into the pork for heat.
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Mix in caramelized onions and crispy bacon pieces for bonus texture.
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Top with shredded cheddar, queso fresco or bleu cheese crumbles.
The possibilities are endless! Tweak the recipe to create your ultimate Jack Daniel’s pulled pork.
Satisfying Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Any Night
Now there’s no need to wait all day for mouthwatering pulled pork. With my microwave method, you can satisfy pulled pork cravings any night of the week. I hope you enjoy infusing pork with boozy barbecue flavor as much as I do.
