How to make Pulled Pork
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
5 hrs
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Total Time
5 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
310 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to make Pulled Pork
Description
This pulled pork recipe starts with a 4-pound pork shoulder seasoned with a blend of brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. After rubbing the spice mix into the meat, it can be seared to lock in flavors.
The pork is then cooked low and slow with Coca-Cola, which adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat. The cooking can be done in an oven covered with a lid, a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or in an instant pot under high pressure for 70 minutes. After cooking, the meat shreds easily with a fork and can be mixed with barbecue sauce as desired.
This recipe yields about 2 pounds of cooked pulled pork, which serves around six people. It can be enjoyed in sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish with sides. The gentle cooking process ensures juiciness and the balance of smoky and sweet flavors from the spice rub and soda base.
Leftover pulled pork stores well refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it convenient for meal prep and use in multiple dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder , or butt
- 2 Tablespoons cooking oil optional if searing
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces Coca-Cola not diet
- BBQ sauce optional, for coating meat
Instructions
- Trim pork of excess fat and cut into 4 pieces.
- Combine spices in a small bowl and rub all over the pork. (This can be done the night before).
- Sear (optional): Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear for a few seconds on all sides.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Pour coke around the pork in the Dutch oven pot. Cover pot with lid and cook for 3 hours. Remove lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, until pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Remove from pot then shred meat on a cutting board. Toss in barbecue sauce, if desired.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on LOW (recommended) 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Instant Pot Method: Place pork in instant pot and pour coke around it. Cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. When timer beeps, allow the pot to naturally release pressure, about 15 minutes longer. Remove lid and shred the meat.
Notes
- Use regular Coca-Cola (not diet) for sweetness and tenderizing; root beer or acidic mixtures with apple cider vinegar and apple juice are alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- The recipe yields about 2 pounds cooked pork, enough for approximately six servings.
- Reheat gently to maintain moisture; tossing with barbecue sauce enhances flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 310 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 310kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 124mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 554mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 667mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 406IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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