This tender, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. In just over 5 hours, you’ll have perfectly seasoned, juicy meat that’s ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls.
With only 20 minutes of hands-on prep time, this protein-packed dish (36g per serving!) creates the perfect balance of convenience and incredible flavor. The slow cooking process ensures each bite is infused with savory goodness while keeping the fat content surprisingly moderate at just 13g per serving.
Ingredients for Perfect Pulled Pork
- Pork Shoulder/Butt (4 lb): Choose a well-marbled cut for the best results
- Oil (2 Tbsp): For initial searing to lock in flavors
- Seasoning Mix:
- Brown sugar (1 Tbsp): Adds caramelization
- Chili powder (1 Tbsp): Creates depth of flavor
- Onion powder (1 tsp): For savory notes
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances overall taste
- Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthiness
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Essential for flavor
- Black pepper (1 tsp): Provides subtle heat
- Regular Coke (12 oz): Tenderizes meat and adds sweetness
- BBQ Sauce: Optional for finishing touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Trim excess fat and quarter the pork. Coat with spice mixture thoroughly
- Optional Searing: Heat oil in Dutch oven and quickly brown all sides for extra flavor
- Cooking Methods:
- Oven Method: Cook covered at 300°F for 3 hours, then uncovered for 1-2 hours
- Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours
- Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 70 minutes plus 15 minutes natural release
- Finishing: Shred tender meat and mix with BBQ sauce if desired
Cooking Methods
This pulled pork recipe gives you three fantastic ways to cook – oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot! The oven method creates amazing flavor as the pork slowly cooks and the edges get slightly caramelized.
The slow cooker is perfect when you want to set it and forget it. The Instant Pot gets dinner ready much faster while still making the meat tender and tasty. Each method works great, so pick the one that fits your schedule best!
Simple Substitutions
Don’t have all the spices? No problem! You can use a pre-made BBQ rub instead of the individual spices.
For the Coke, any regular cola works – Pepsi, RC Cola, or even Dr Pepper adds its own unique twist. Just stay away from diet sodas since you need the real sugar to help make the meat tender and flavorful.
Serving Ideas
This pulled pork shines on soft buns as classic sandwiches! Add coleslaw right on top for a crunchy contrast. You can also pile it on nachos, stuff it in tacos, or top a baked potato.
Make it a meal with sides like potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. Don’t forget extra BBQ sauce on the side for everyone to add as they like!
Storage Tips
Your pulled pork will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container. It actually tastes amazing the next day! For longer storage, portion it into freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Dutch oven or Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder or butt
- 2 tablespoons oil optional if searing
- 1 tablespoon 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 optional
Instructions
- Trim pork of excess fat and cut into 4 pieces. Combine spices in a small bowl and rub all over the pork. (This can be done the night before).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
