How to make Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder
- 2 Tablespoons 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 coke
not diet
- bbq sauce for coating meat
Directions
- 1
Trim pork of excess fat and cut into 4 pieces.
- 2
Combine spices in a small bowl and rub all over the pork. (This can be done the night before).
- 3
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.
- 4
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 oven and shred meat. Toss in barbecue sauce, if desired.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
How to make Pulled Pork
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About this Recipe
Craving that fall-apart tender, incredibly juicy pulled pork that melts in your mouth? This recipe delivers perfectly cooked pulled pork using your oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, making it accessible for any home cook looking for a satisfying meal.
Why This Pulled Pork Works
What makes this pulled pork truly special is its versatility in cooking methods coupled with a perfectly balanced spice blend and a secret ingredient: coke. The combination of brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and other spices creates a rich, savory crust, while the coke works its magic to tenderize the pork shoulder, infusing it with a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes beautifully. This approach ensures deeply flavored, succulent results every time.
What to Expect
Prepare for an experience of pure comfort food. Each bite of this pulled pork offers an incredibly tender texture that easily shreds, soaked in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor thanks to the BBQ sauce. The aromatic spices create a warm, inviting aroma as it cooks, building anticipation for the delicious meal ahead. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this pulled pork promises a satisfying, hearty dish.
Customization & Variations
Customize your pulled pork by experimenting with different types of BBQ sauce – from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy – to match your preference. While the recipe uses a specific spice blend, feel free to adjust the chili powder or cumin to dial up or down the heat and earthy notes. You could also try different types of cola for subtle flavor variations, though classic coke is recommended for its consistent results.
Serving & Context
This tender pulled pork is ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal. Serve it piled high on soft buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches, alongside creamy coleslaw, or as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or nachos. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or a comforting Sunday dinner.