Slow cooked BBQ goat shoulder on a rustic plate with BBQ sauce

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked BBQ Goat Shoulder

Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked BBQ Goat Shoulder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American BBQ
Ingredients: 2 kg Goat shoulder (bone-in, skin removed if you prefer less fat, but skin is flavorful); 2 tbsp Olive oil (choose extra virgin for best flavor); 6 piece Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled); 1 piece Onion (medium, peeled and quartered); 2 tbsp Smoked paprika (use good quality smoked paprika for authentic BBQ flavor); 1 tbsp Ground cumin (freshly ground if possible); 2 tbsp Brown sugar (light or dark, adds sweetness to balance spices); 2 tsp Salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt); 1 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar (adds tang and helps tenderize); 1 cup Water (to add moisture while cooking)

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Goat Meat with Ease

medium

6 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat25gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Goat shoulder (bone-in, skin removed if you prefer less fat, but skin is flavorful)2 kg
Olive oil (choose extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled)6 piece
Onion (medium, peeled and quartered)1 piece
Smoked paprika (use good quality smoked paprika for authentic BBQ flavor)2 tbsp
Ground cumin (freshly ground if possible)1 tbsp
Brown sugar (light or dark, adds sweetness to balance spices)2 tbsp
Salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt)2 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)1 cup
Apple cider vinegar (adds tang and helps tenderize)2 tbsp
Water (to add moisture while cooking)1 cup

This slow-cooked BBQ goat shoulder recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that's perfect for a weekend meal or special occasion. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibers in the goat shoulder, resulting in meat that falls apart easily and soaks up the smoky BBQ sauce beautifully. With everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, even home cooks with basic kitchen skills can master this dish. Ingredients cost approximately $20 USD (€18 / £15 / ₹1600), and the recipe yields about 6 servings. Each serving contains approximately 450 kcal. This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets if you use gluten-free BBQ sauce. Cooking difficulty is medium due to the long cooking time and handling of raw meat, and total time required is about 7 hours. Food safety is emphasized throughout, ensuring you serve a safe and delicious meal for your family and friends.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the spice rub

1In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a flavorful BBQ crust to the goat shoulder.

Prepare the goat shoulder

2Pat the goat shoulder dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better. Rub the olive oil all over the meat, then coat evenly with the spice rub, pressing it in gently. Let the meat marinate with the rub for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or preferably overnight. This enhances the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.

Prepare the slow cooker

3Place the quartered onion and whole garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker. They provide a flavorful base that the meat will rest on and infuse during cooking.

Add the goat shoulder and cooking liquids

4Place the rubbed goat shoulder on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water around the meat, avoiding directly washing the rub off. These liquids keep the meat moist and add extra flavor during slow cooking.

Cook the goat shoulder slowly

5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model. The goat is done when it's fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) or higher, ensuring it is completely cooked and safe to eat.

Check doneness safely

6Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the shoulder without touching bone to check the internal temperature. The meat should be tender enough to pull apart easily. Always avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and utensils after handling raw goat meat.

Rest and serve

7Carefully remove the goat shoulder from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding or slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired, paired with sides like coleslaw, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips

1If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the goat shoulder in a covered roasting pan in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 4-5 hours until tender.

2Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature and ensure food safety.

3For extra smoky flavor, add a smoked chip or a drop of liquid smoke into the BBQ sauce before cooking.

4Leftover goat meat can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl for spice rub
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board
Tongs or serving fork

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Goat shoulder, 2 kg (approx. $15): Choose fresh meat with a nice red color and firm texture.
[ ] Olive oil, 2 tbsp (approx. $0.20): Extra virgin olive oil provides better flavor.
[ ] Garlic cloves, 6 pcs (approx. $0.30): Choose firm bulbs with no green sprouts.
[ ] Onion, 1 medium (approx. $0.30): Pick firm onions with dry skin.
[ ] Smoked paprika, 2 tbsp (approx. $1): Use a quality smoked paprika for authentic BBQ flavor.
[ ] Ground cumin, 1 tbsp (approx. $0.50): Freshly ground for best aroma.
[ ] Brown sugar, 2 tbsp (approx. $0.10): Light or dark, depending on preference.
[ ] Salt, 2 tsp (approx. $0.05)
[ ] Black pepper, 1 tsp (approx. $0.10): Freshly ground if possible.
[ ] BBQ sauce, 1 cup (approx. $2): Choose your favorite brand or homemade.
[ ] Apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp (approx. $0.20): Adds tang and tenderizes meat.
[ ] Water, 1 cup (tap water)

Total estimated cost: $20.85. Prices may vary based on location and brand.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of goat meat?

Yes, but goat shoulder is ideal for slow cooking due to its fat and connective tissue which break down and become tender. Other tougher cuts may require different cooking times.