Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

2. 2

   Add the ground pork and diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the pork is browned and the onions are soft (about 6-8 minutes).

3. 3

   Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Pour in the bourbon (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until mostly evaporated.

5. 5

   Stir in the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and the reserved crispy bacon. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

6. 6

   Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the mixture generously onto toasted buns and top with pickles or coleslaw.