These 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fireworks Shoulder Steaks are the kind of low-effort dinner that saves a busy weeknight. You layer a few bold pantry staples over raw bone-in pork shoulder steaks, let the slow cooker do the work, and end up with tender, saucy pork that tastes like you spent far more time on it than you actually did. The sweet-heat flavor gives this dish its “fireworks” name, and it is a great way to turn an affordable cut of pork into a family-style meal.
Serve these shoulder steaks over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce. If you want to balance the rich, sweet-spicy flavor, add a simple side like roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, coleslaw, or a crisp salad. Cornbread or soft dinner rolls also work really well for catching every bit of the slow-cooked sauce.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fireworks Shoulder Steaks
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
4 raw bone-in pork shoulder steaks
Directions
1. Place the raw bone-in pork shoulder steaks in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker insert in an even layer as much as possible.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until fully combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder steaks, turning the steaks slightly if needed so they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, until the pork is very tender and cooked through.
5. Carefully transfer the shoulder steaks to a serving platter and spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Milder version: For a more family-friendly heat level, reduce the hot sauce to 1 teaspoon or leave it out entirely. The sweet chili sauce still gives the dish plenty of flavor without making it too spicy.
Make it extra saucy: If you want more sauce for spooning over rice or potatoes, increase the barbecue sauce to 1 1/2 cups. This is one of my favorite little tricks when I know I want leftovers for lunch the next day.
Add onions: A sliced onion tucked under or over the pork adds extra flavor as it cooks. It is an easy add-in that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing by dinnertime.
Broil for caramelized edges: After slow cooking, transfer the pork to a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes if you want stickier, darker edges. Keep a close eye on it so the sauce does not burn.
Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pork reheats well and is great shredded onto sandwiches, spooned over baked potatoes, or tucked into wraps.
