Jack Daniel’s pulled pork made in the microwave? I know it may sound crazy, but trust me when I say this shortcut version delivers unbelievably moist, fall-apart tender pork infused with rich whiskey flavors in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Keep reading to learn my simple step-by-step method for making this convenient weeknight dish.

Why Microwave Pulled Pork?

Using the microwave to cook pulled pork offers several advantages:

• Speed – Microwaving reduces cooking time to about 10-15 minutes per pound versus 1 hour or longer in the oven.

• Convenience – It’s easy to start and stop as needed to tend to other tasks No need to monitor a smoker or oven,

• Mess-free – Contained in one dish, microwave pulled pork creates no splatters. Quick clean up too

• Flavor infusion – The covered microwave environment helps the Jack Daniel’s deeply penetrate the meat.

• Juicy texture – Pork essentially braises in the moist environment becoming incredibly tender.

• Easy shredding – Fork-tender meat shreds easily right in the cooking dish.

So if you’re short on time but want tasty pulled pork, the microwave is your new best friend. Let’s get started!

Gather the Ingredients

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder
• 1⁄2 cup Jack Daniel’s whiskey
• 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Prep the Pork

Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into 1-2 inch cubes. This creates more surface area for flavors to permeate and reduces cooking time.

Season the pork evenly on all sides with salt and pepper. Go a bit heavier than usual since no browning occurs in the microwave.

Infuse with Jack Daniel’s

In a microwave-safe dish, combine the whiskey, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Whisk well until blended.

Add the seasoned pork cubes and turn to coat in the sauce.

Cook in the Microwave

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Vent one corner to let steam escape.

Microwave on high power for 7-8 minutes per pound. For 1.5 pounds of pork, cook for 10-12 minutes total.

After cooking, let the pork rest in the covered dish for 5 minutes before shredding.

Shred the Pork

Use two forks to shred and mix the steamed pork right in the cooking dish.

The meat should easily pull apart into chunky shredded strands thanks to the moist microwave environment.

Mix the shredded pork thoroughly with the accumulated cooking juices and sauce.

Amp Up the Flavor

If desired, now is the time to punch up flavors:

• For spicy pork, stir in hot sauce or chili powder.

• For smoky flavor, add liquid smoke.

• For tang, add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice.

• For herby freshness, throw in some chopped cilantro or parsley.

• For richness, swirl in a knob of butter.

Adjust salt, pepper, and additional barbecue sauce if needed.

Serve Your Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork

Now you’re ready to enjoy your easy microwave Jack Daniel’s pulled pork!

• Pile high on burger buns or slider rolls for pulled pork sandwiches.

• Stuff into tacos or enchiladas for a fun twist.

• Toss with noodles or rice for pulled pork bowls.

• Top a hearty salad for a main dish meal.

• Or keep it classic and serve alongside baked beans and coleslaw.

This fast recipe makes the perfect easy weeknight dinner. But it’s also great for parties and potlucks since you can make it ahead. Just gently reheat bowls in the microwave right before serving.

Microwave Pulled Pork Tips

Here are some additional tips for making foolproof microwave pulled pork every time:

Choose the right cut – Pork shoulder, also called Boston butt or pork butt, offers the best texture and flavor for pulled pork. Other cuts may dry out.

Trim fat – Remove large fat areas but leave some marbled fat for moistness.

Cut in small pieces – Cubed pork cooks quicker. Pieces no larger than 2 inches are ideal.

Use a large dish – Choose a dish big enough to lay pork pieces in a single layer with room for sauce.

Cover tightly – Plastic wrap or a tight fitting lid locks in steam to thoroughly cook and tenderize the meat.

Rest before shredding – Letting pork sit 5 minutes allows juices to reabsorb so meat shreds cleanly.

Shred in cooking dish – Fork-tender pork shreds easily right in the accumulated juices.

Add sauce to taste – Use just enough barbecue sauce to moisten and coat the shredded pork.

Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Recipe Variations

Part of the fun of this microwave recipe is experimenting with different flavor variations. Try these tasty options:

Whiskey Barbecue

• 1⁄2 cup Jack Daniel’s whiskey
• 1⁄2 cup sweet and smoky barbecue sauce
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• 1⁄2 cup Dr. Pepper soda
• 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Sweet and Spicy

• 1⁄2 cup ketchup
• 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce

Hawaiian Style

• 1⁄2 cup pineapple juice
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

Smokey and Sweet

• 1⁄2 cup cola
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp liquid smoke

FAQs About Microwave Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this easy recipe:

What cut of pork works best? Pork shoulder, also called Boston butt or pork butt. It has the right fat-to-meat ratio.

Can I use pork loin or tenderloin? Not recommended. These super lean cuts will dry out in the microwave.

What whiskey tastes best? Jack Daniel’s is the classic choice. But Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, or your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey will also work.

What if I don’t have whiskey? Substitute 1/2 cup cola or Dr. Pepper.

Do I need liquid smoke? No, the whiskey and spices provide plenty of smoky flavor. But you can add some for an extra smoky kick.

What barbecue sauce is ideal? A sweet and smoky sauce complements the whiskey flavor nicely. But any bottled barbecue sauce will work.

How long does it keep refrigerated? Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4-5 days.

Can I freeze it? Yes. Cool completely, transfer to freezer bags, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This simple yet scrumptious microwave Jack Daniel’s pulled pork recipe proves that quick and easy weeknight meals can still be full of homemade flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes cook time, you can enjoy mouthwatering pulled pork packed with the mellow smoky sweetness of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

Once you try it, I guarantee this will become your new go-to for fast family dinners, easy entertaining, and savory potluck offerings. Adjust the flavors to suit your tastes and get ready to become a microwave pulled pork convert. Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier!

So skip the slow cooker or oven and let your microwave work its magic on this super simple, crazy delicious pork recipe. Just be prepared for the rave reviews!