Dr Pepper Pulled Pork – PHUIIS BLOG

This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe transforms a humble pork shoulder into a flavor-packed, tender, and incredibly satisfying meal. The unique combination of Dr Pepper, smoky spices, and a touch of sweetness creates a truly unforgettable BBQ experience. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner, this pulled pork is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why you will love this recipe:

Unbelievably Tender: Slow cooking the pork in Dr Pepper ensures it becomes fall-apart tender, practically melting in your mouth.
Complex Flavor Profile: The Dr Pepper infuses a unique sweetness and depth, perfectly balanced by the smoky spices and savory BBQ sauce.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
Versatile: Serve it on buns with coleslaw, pile it on nachos, or use it as a filling for tacos – the possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.

Ingredients:

1 medium-size sweet yellow onion, sliced thin (1 ½ cups)
4 to 5 pounds pork butt (pork shoulder)
12 ounces Dr Pepper (1 ½ cups)
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon garlic, fresh minced
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Hamburger buns or deli rolls
15 ounces coleslaw (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker: Line a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with aluminum foil or a crock pot liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Layer the Onions: Evenly layer the thinly sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will act as a flavorful base for the pork.

Step 3: Add the Pork and Dr Pepper: Place the pork butt on top of the onions. Pour the Dr Pepper over the pork, ensuring it covers a good portion of the meat.

Step 4: Prepare the Liquid Smoke Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the liquid smoke, honey, and minced garlic. Stir to combine. Use a basting brush to evenly brush the mixture onto the pork, coating it thoroughly. This adds a delicious smoky depth to the pork.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Rub: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Apply the Dry Rub: Evenly sprinkle the dry seasoning mixture over the top of the pork. Gently pat it down to help it adhere to the meat.

Step 7: Slow Cook the Pork: Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. The pork is ready when it is easily shredded with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so be sure to check for doneness.

Step 8: Shred the Pork: Once the pork has finished cooking, either leave it in the crockpot or carefully transfer the meat to a large baking dish using tongs. Using two forks or a set of tongs, carefully shred the pork into smaller pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue.

Step 9: Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the shredded pork. Use tongs to toss the pork and sauce together, ensuring that every piece is coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 10: Serve: Serve the Dr Pepper Pulled Pork on hamburger buns or deli rolls. Top with coleslaw for a classic BBQ experience.

COOKING Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Pulled Pork Sandwich: Serve on a toasted bun with a generous helping of coleslaw and your favorite pickles.
Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded cheese, pulled pork, jalapenos, and your favorite nacho toppings.
Pulled Pork Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with pulled pork, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Pulled Pork Salad: Top a bed of lettuce with pulled pork, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Tips:

For a deeper smoky flavor, sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
If you don’t have Dr Pepper, you can substitute with cola or root beer.
Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your liking.
For a spicier pulled pork, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub.
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftover pulled pork in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):

Calories: 550-650
Protein: 40-50g
Sodium: 800-1000mg

Conclusion

This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. The sweet and savory combination, tender texture, and easy preparation make it a winner every time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the best pulled pork you’ve ever tasted!

Questions and Answers About This Recipe:

Q1: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides using the sauté function. Then, add the onions, Dr Pepper, liquid smoke mixture, and dry rub. Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes. Shred the pork and stir in the BBQ sauce.

Q2: Can I use a different cut of pork?

A: While pork butt (also known as pork shoulder) is the best cut for pulled pork due to its high fat content, you can use a picnic shoulder as a substitute. Keep in mind that picnic shoulder may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Q3: What is liquid smoke and where can I find it?

A: Liquid smoke is a natural flavoring made from condensed smoke. It adds a smoky flavor to dishes without actually smoking them. You can find liquid smoke in the BBQ sauce aisle of most grocery stores.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, making pulled pork ahead of time is a great way to save time and effort. Simply cook the pork as directed, shred it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat before serving.

Q5: What are some good side dishes to serve with Dr Pepper Pulled Pork?

A: Coleslaw is a classic pairing for pulled pork, but there are many other delicious side dishes you can serve as well. Some popular options include: