Ingredients
– 4 lb pork shoulder, pork butt, or Boston butt – main cut that becomes tender and shreddable
– 2 tablespoons oil (optional for searing) – helps with browning before slow cooking or roasting
– 1 tablespoon paprika – adds color and a mild smoky flavor
– 1 tablespoon salt – seasons deeply into the meat
– 1 teaspoon black pepper – adds warmth and balance
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder – boosts savory flavor
– 1 teaspoon onion powder – adds gentle sweetness and aroma
– 1 teaspoon chili powder – brings heat and classic pulled pork character
– 12 ounces regular cola soda – tenderizes and adds sweetness for rich, saucy flavor
– barbecue sauce (optional, to taste) – for finishing, glazing, and extra tangy sweetness
Instructions
1-First Step: Trim excess fat from the pork and cut it into 4 pieces. Cutting helps it cook more evenly and gives you faster shredding.
2-Second Step: Combine the spices into a rub: paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, plus chili powder. For easiest prep, mix in a bowl before rubbing.
3-Third Step: Rub the spice mixture over the pork. You can do this the night before and refrigerate for deeper flavor.
4-Fourth Step: Optional searing: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear pork on all sides. This step is not required, but it adds color and a slightly richer roasted flavor.
5-First Step: Preheat the oven to 300ยฐF. Place the pork into a Dutch oven.
6-Second Step: Pour the 12 ounces regular cola around the pork. Try to pour so the liquid surrounds the pieces, not just on top.
7-Third Step: Cover and cook for 3 hours.
8-Fourth Step: Uncover and cook 1 to 2 more hours until the meat is tender and shreddable.
9-Final Step: Shred the meat and toss with barbecue sauce if desired. Reserve some cooking juices so the pork stays moist when serving or reheating.
10-First Step: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
11-Second Step: Pour the cola around the pork, then cover.
12-Third Step: Cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until tender.
13-Fourth Step: When done, remove pork and shred. Mix the shredded meat back into the juices in the cooker.
14-Final Step: Add barbecue sauce if you want a tangier, sweeter finish, then serve warm.
15-First Step: Add the pork and cola to the electric pressure cooker.
16-Second Step: Cook on high pressure for 70 minutes.
17-Third Step: Use a natural release for 15 minutes before shredding. This helps the meat keep its juices.
18-Fourth Step: Shred the meat and mix with the flavorful juices.
19-Final Step: Toss with barbecue sauce if desired and serve.
Last Step:
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๐ฅค Stick to regular cola for tenderizing magic; root beer or apple cider vinegar mix are great substitutes.
โ๏ธ Trim excess fat before rubbing spices to achieve leaner, cleaner pulled pork.
๐ฆ Reserve cooking juices to add moisture when reheating leftovers for ultimate juiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Pork
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 oz
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 554 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg
