Are you a fan of Jack Daniels Pulled Pork?
Do you ever wonder how much alcohol is actually in it?
Well, you’re not alone.
Many people are curious about the alcohol content in this popular dish.
The good news is that the BBQ sauce used in Jack Daniels Pulled Pork is alcohol-free, making it safe for children to consume.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the recipe and explore how to make this delicious dish at home.
So, grab a seat and get ready to learn all about Jack Daniels Pulled Pork!
How Much Alcohol Is In Jack Daniels Pulled Pork?
As mentioned earlier, the BBQ sauce used in Jack Daniels Pulled Pork is alcohol-free. This means that there is no actual alcohol content in the dish itself.
However, the sauce does contain whiskey, which gives it a sweeter and spicier flavor. But don’t worry, the alcohol is cooked off during the cooking process, leaving behind only the delicious flavor.
So, if you’re concerned about serving this dish to children or anyone who doesn’t consume alcohol, you can rest assured that it’s safe to eat.
The Ingredients Of Jack Daniels Pulled Pork
The main ingredient of Jack Daniels Pulled Pork is boneless pork, which is injected with water, salt, and phosphate to keep it moist and tender. The pork is then rubbed with a blend of black pepper, salt, brown sugar, garlic, and onion to give it a savory flavor.
The BBQ sauce used in the dish is made from a mixture of dark brown sugar, water, onion, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, corn starch, vegetable oil, garlic, salt, seasonings, Tennessee whiskey, lemon juice, caramel color, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
The Tennessee whiskey used in the BBQ sauce is none other than Jack Daniel’s famous brand. This gives the sauce a unique and distinct flavor that sets it apart from other BBQ sauces. However, as mentioned earlier, the alcohol content in the dish is negligible because the whiskey is cooked off during the cooking process.
Other ingredients used in the dish include carrageenan (a natural thickener), xanthan gum (a stabilizer), granulated garlic and onion (for added flavor), and dark chili pepper and paprika (for a spicy kick).
The Cooking Process And Alcohol Evaporation
During the cooking process of Jack Daniels Pulled Pork, the alcohol in the whiskey used in the BBQ sauce is evaporated. This happens because alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, and as the dish is cooked for several hours, most of the alcohol evaporates.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, it takes about 3 hours of cooking to fully remove all traces of alcohol from a dish. In the case of Jack Daniels Pulled Pork, the initial cooking process is followed by an aggressive reduction in pan juices, which further removes any remaining alcohol content.
It’s important to note that while the dish itself does not contain any measurable alcohol content, it’s always a good idea to inform anyone in your household who may be in recovery about the ingredients used in the dish. They may feel more comfortable eating something else.
Alcohol Content In Other BBQ Sauces
While Jack Daniels Pulled Pork sauce is alcohol-free, there are other BBQ sauces on the market that do contain alcohol. For example, some whiskey-based barbecue sauces may contain a small amount of alcohol, even after cooking.
It’s important to note that the amount of alcohol in these sauces is typically very small and unlikely to cause any significant effects. However, if you’re serving these sauces to children or anyone who doesn’t consume alcohol, it’s always best to check the label and make sure you’re comfortable with the ingredients.
Additionally, some BBQ sauces may use other types of alcohol, such as wine or beer, in their recipes. Again, the amount of alcohol in these sauces is typically very small and is cooked off during the cooking process. However, it’s always a good idea to check the label if you have any concerns.
In general, if you’re looking for an alcohol-free BBQ sauce, it’s always best to check the label and look for products that are specifically labeled as “alcohol-free” or “non-alcoholic”. This will ensure that you can enjoy your BBQ without any worries about alcohol content.
How To Make Jack Daniels Pulled Pork At Home
Are you ready to try making Jack Daniels Pulled Pork at home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this mouth-watering dish:
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs pork shoulder or beef chuck roast
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Jack Daniels whiskey
– 1 can Coca-Cola
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp granulated garlic
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 2 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Start by mixing together the garlic, chili pepper, onion, and pepper in a small bowl. Massage the spice mix into the pork and place it in a crockpot.
2. Pour soda over the pork and cook on low for 5-7 hours, until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
3. Once the pork is cooked, drain it completely and shred it using two forks.
4. Add in the whiskey and two cups of barbecue sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Cook on low for another hour.
6. Serve on toasted buns with a pickle slice and more barbecue sauce.
But what if you don’t have a crockpot? No problem! You can still make this dish using an instant pot or even an oven. Here are some additional instructions:
Instant Pot:
1. Sear the meat on both sides for three minutes in three tablespoons of butter or oil.
2. Drain the meat and add in the Jack Daniels, Coca-Cola, black pepper, salt, granulated garlic, liquid smoke (if using), and cayenne pepper.
3. Place the instant pot on slow cooker mode and follow manual instructions.
Oven:
1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Place the meat in a roasting pan covered with foil.
3. Cook for around six hours or until the meat pulls apart easily.
No matter which cooking method you choose, don’t forget to toast your buns for that perfect finishing touch!
Serving Suggestions And Pairings For Jack Daniels Pulled Pork
Now that we’ve established that there’s no alcohol in the dish, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and pair Jack Daniels Pulled Pork.
First and foremost, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on rolls, toast, in tacos, on pizza, or even just on a fork. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re looking for a classic pairing, try serving the pulled pork with a side of coleslaw or baked beans. The sweetness of the slaw or beans will complement the smokiness of the pork and the spiciness of the BBQ sauce.
For a refreshing drink pairing, we recommend going with a light, airy beverage that has a darker spirit base. Aged whiskeys and rums are excellent choices for this pairing. When topped with soda, the darker spirits add freshness to the meal. A few suggestions include the whiskey-based John Collins, Lynchburg lemonade, or the simple highball. For a rum drink, the Anejo highball–mixed with ginger beer–is a perfect choice. The ginger beer makes this drink the darkest selection of the bunch.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, try pairing the pulled pork with a bourbon lemonade. The slightly tart taste of lemons cuts the smokiness of both the bourbon and BBQ, creating a delicious balance of flavors. Add a sprig of mint for an even more refreshing take.