Description
Dr Pepper pulled pork combines classic Southern barbecue with a sweet cola twist. Slow-cooked meat marinates in a rich, tangy sauce that brings deep flavor to your plate and delights hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 45 lbs (20.4 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 2 cups (473 ml) Dr Pepper soda
- 1 cup (237 ml) barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 g) paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions
- Spice Preparation: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into a comprehensive seasoning mixture.
- Meat Preparation: Thoroughly dry the pork shoulder and vigorously rub the entire spice blend into the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slow Cooker Setup: Arrange sliced onions as a foundational layer in the slow cooker, then position the seasoned pork on top and drench with Dr Pepper to infuse deep, caramelized flavor.
- Cooking Process: Cover and slow cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat becomes meltingly tender and easily separates.
- Meat Breakdown: Transfer pork to a large cutting board and shred methodically using two forks, discarding excess fat while maintaining the meat’s juicy consistency.
- Sauce Integration: Strain cooking liquid, reserving one cup, then return shredded meat to the slow cooker and thoroughly coat with barbecue sauce, adding reserved liquid if necessary to maintain moisture.
- Serving Suggestion: Present the pulled pork warm, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone protein-rich main dish.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut: Select a well-marbled pork shoulder (Boston butt) with some fat for maximum tenderness and flavor depth.
- Spice Blend Precision: Toast spices briefly before mixing to enhance their aromatic compounds and intensify the overall seasoning profile.
- Moisture Management: Reserve cooking liquid carefully; it’s liquid gold for preventing dry meat and adding rich flavor when reheating or serving.
- Slow Cooker Strategy: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent moisture loss, allowing meat to become supremely tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg