Name: Dr Pepper Pulled Pork: The Ultimate Recipe for BBQ Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 4-5 pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), excess fat trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (12 ounce) can Dr Pepper; 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Hamburger buns, for serving; Coleslaw, for serving (optional); Pickles, for serving (optional)

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork: Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized! Imagine succulent, fall-apart pork, infused with the sweet and subtly spicy notes of that iconic soda we all know and love. This isn't just pulled pork; it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds. I'm thrilled to share this surprisingly simple yet incredibly delicious recipe with you.

Pulled pork, in its essence, is a celebration of Southern barbecue tradition. Slow-cooked to perfection, it represents a patient and loving approach to cooking, transforming a tough cut of meat into a tender masterpiece. While the classic versions often rely on smoky wood and tangy vinegar-based sauces, this Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe adds a modern twist, borrowing the unique flavor profile of Dr Pepper to create something truly special. The sweetness of the soda caramelizes beautifully during the cooking process, creating a rich and complex sauce that perfectly complements the savory pork.

People adore pulled pork for its versatility and satisfying texture. It's fantastic in sandwiches, piled high on buns with coleslaw, or served as a main course with your favorite sides. The beauty of this Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy your day while the magic happens. The result? A tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. Get ready to experience pulled pork like never before!

Ingredients:

4-5 pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), excess fat trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (12 ounce) can Dr Pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Hamburger buns, for serving
Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
Pickles, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Pork:

First, let's get that pork ready! Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear. Season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning – it's a big piece of meat!
Now, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork shoulder in the pot. Sear it on all sides until it's nicely browned. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side. Searing adds a ton of flavor, so don't skip this step!
Remove the pork shoulder from the pot and set it aside. Don't worry if there are some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – that's called fond, and it's full of flavor! We'll deglaze the pot in the next step.

Making the Dr Pepper Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Now, pour in the Dr Pepper. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where all that delicious flavor is hiding!
Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Slow Cooking the Pork:

Place the seared pork shoulder back into the pot, nestling it down into the Dr Pepper sauce. Make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid. If not, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to cover it.
Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be!
About halfway through the cooking time, check the liquid level and add more water or chicken broth if needed to keep the pork from drying out.

Shredding and Finishing:

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pulled pork.
While the pork is resting, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the pot. You can use a spoon or a fat separator for this.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This will concentrate the flavors and create a delicious glaze for the pulled pork.
Add the shredded pork back to the pot with the thickened sauce. Stir to coat the pork evenly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to suit your taste.

Serving:

Serve the Dr Pepper pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles, if desired. It's also great served on its own with your favorite sides, such as baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
Get creative with your toppings! Some other great options include:
- Onion rings
- Jalapeños
- BBQ sauce
- Cheese
Enjoy! This Dr Pepper pulled pork is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter pulled pork, add more brown sugar to the sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Add some smoke: For a smokier flavor, use smoked salt or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
Use a different soda: If you don't have Dr Pepper, you can use another cola or root beer. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.
Make it ahead: This pulled pork can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: Pulled pork freezes very well. Allow the cooked and shredded pork to cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving a Crowd: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.
Leftovers: Leftover pulled pork is fantastic in sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, or even on top of nachos. Get creative and use it in your favorite recipes!

Slow Cooker Instructions:

Follow steps 1-3 of "Preparing the Pork" to sear the pork shoulder. This step is optional but highly recommended for added flavor.
In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, Dr Pepper, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
Place the seared pork shoulder in the slow cooker, nestling it down into the sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Follow steps 1-5 of "Shredding and Finishing" to shred the pork and thicken the sauce.
Serve as directed in the "Serving" section.

Instant Pot Instructions:

Turn your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting. Add the olive oil.
Follow steps 1-3 of "Preparing the Pork" to sear the pork shoulder on all sides.
Remove the pork shoulder and set aside.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Pour in the Dr Pepper and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
Place the seared pork shoulder back into the Instant Pot.
Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing."
Cook on "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 75 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks.
Turn the Instant Pot back to the "Sauté" setting. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Add the shredded pork back to the Instant Pot with the thickened sauce. Stir to coat the pork evenly.
Serve as directed in the "Serving" section.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. The unique sweetness of the Dr Pepper, combined with the savory spices and slow-cooked tenderness of the pork, creates a flavor profile that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of that classic Dr Pepper zing that will leave everyone wanting more. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it's also surprisingly easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other things while your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly cooked pulled pork. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser! I've served this to picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike, and it's always a hit. This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The depth of flavor is truly remarkable, and the versatility of the dish makes it a winner in my book. Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations! The classic way to enjoy this pulled pork is, of course, on a soft, toasted bun with your favorite coleslaw. But don't stop there! Get creative!

Serving Suggestions:

* Pulled Pork Sliders: Perfect for appetizers or parties. * Pulled Pork Tacos: Add some salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a Tex-Mex twist. * Pulled Pork Nachos: Load up some tortilla chips with cheese, jalapenos, and, of course, our delicious pulled pork. * Pulled Pork Pizza: Use it as a topping for a unique and flavorful pizza. * Pulled Pork Salad: Top a bed of greens with pulled pork, corn, black beans, and your favorite dressing for a hearty and satisfying salad. * Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Stir it into your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Variations:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a little extra heat. * Smoked Pulled Pork: If you have a smoker, try smoking the pork shoulder before adding it to the slow cooker for an even deeper, smokier flavor. * Different Soda: While Dr Pepper is the star of the show, you could experiment with other dark sodas like Coca-Cola or root beer. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly. * Vinegar Based Sauce: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. I truly believe you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and get ready to experience the magic of Dr Pepper Pulled Pork! I'm confident that this will become a new family favorite. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you serve it at a party? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can't wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!