Slow Cooked Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
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If you are looking for something to serve up for Dad on Father’s Day, look no further than this Slow Cooked Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork. It’s also a great recipe to enjoy this summer!
Dr. Pepper adds a nice flavor to the pulled pork recipe. Dr. Pepper has 23 flavors!
Some of these flavors include cherry, licorice, and caramel. These flavors give Dr. Pepper a sweet and rich taste. This taste pairs well with the savory and smoky flavors of the meat.
The carbonation and acids in Dr. Pepper help break down the fibers in the pork, making it more tender and juicy. The sugars in the soda also contributes to the caramelization of the pork.
Serve this delicious pulled pork on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides. The usual BBQ sides liked baked beans, coleslaw, or mac and cheese are great options. Don’t forget some of your favorite barbecue sauce to drizzle over the pork when serving.
Ingredients to Make Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
- PORK ROAST
- ONION POWDER
- GARLIC POWDER
- SALT
- LIQUID SMOKED, OPTIONAL
- DR. PEPPER
- BARBECUE SAUCE
How to Make Slow Cooked Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
To begin, you cut your pork roast into 4 large chunks. This helps with even cooking and allows more seasoning to get on that roast.
Next, you’ll make the seasoning. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to a bowl and mix. Coat each piece of the pork generously with this seasoning mixture.
Add the pieces of roast into the slow cooker. If you choose to use the liquid smoke, now is the time to sprinkle it over the pieces of roast. I highly recommend it. It adds smoke flavor without having to use a smoker.
Pour the Dr. Pepper soda around the pork until it’s almost submerged in the liquid. Then, pour the BBQ sauce over the top of the pork, covering it evenly .
Place the lid on the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreddable. I perfer to cooker it at the low temperature for the longer amount of time.
Take the slow-cooked meat out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a separate dish. Use two forks to shred pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat from the roast.
Mix the pork with some of the liquid from the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavorful. Then, serve with more BBQ sauce on the side. I love Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of meat for Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork?
Pork shoulder roast or pork butt is ideal for pulled pork. These cuts are well-marbled with fat, which keeps the meat moist and tender during slow cooking.
How do I shred the pork?
Once you cook the pork until it is tender, use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds. You can also use meat claws if you have them.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze pulled pork. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Can I use diet Dr. Pepper or another type of soda?
Yes, you can use diet Dr. Pepper or other sodas like root beer or cola. However, the flavor profile may vary slightly.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Slow Cooked Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork roast
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp liquid smoke optional
- 2 cups Dr. Pepper
- 1 cup bbq sauce plus additional for serving
Instructions
- Cut your pork roast into 4 large chunks.
- In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Coat each piece of pork generously with this seasoning mixture.
- Place the pieces of roast into the slow cooker. If using liquid smoke, sprinkle over the pieces of roast.
- Pour Dr. Pepper soda around the pork until it’s almost submerged in the liquid.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the top of the pork covering it evenly .
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The pork should be tender and easily shredded when done.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a separate dish. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat.
- Mix the pork with some of cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve with additional bbq sauce on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Adventures of a Nurse.
