Crockpot Coca-Cola Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 3.5 lb pork shoulder or pork butt (Source specifies 3–4 pounds.)
• 2 L Coca-Cola (Pour in enough to almost cover the meat; the source lists 2 liters.)
• 1.5 cup hickory BBQ sauce

Steps

1. 1

   Make the seasoning mix by whisking together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

2. 2

   Place the pork in a 6–8-quart crockpot and rub the seasoning mixture over the meat.

3. 3

   Pour enough Coca-Cola into the crockpot to almost cover the pork. Pour the soda down the side of the crockpot so the seasoning is not rinsed off the meat.

4. 4

   Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours.

5. 5

   Remove all but 1/4 cup of the liquid from the crockpot. You may remove the pork temporarily to pour out the excess liquid, then return it to the crockpot.

6. 6

   Shred the pork with two forks or a meat puller in the crockpot, mixing it with the remaining juices.

7. 7

   Stir in the hickory BBQ sauce until the shredded pork is evenly coated.

8. 8

   Serve warm on buns or alone.

Notes

For best results, use a 6–8-quart crockpot; scale the recipe down for a smaller machine and up for a larger one. Store cooled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals; add a little water or stock if needed to keep the pork moist. The source mentions that other dark sodas, diet soda, sugar-free BBQ sauce, chicken or beef, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and other BBQ sauces may be used as variations.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• slow-cooked
• crockpot
• American
• pork
• sandwiches
• make-ahead