As a food enthusiast, I’m excited to share with you my favorite pulled pork recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, a family dinner, or just a quick meal, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours (oven), 8 hours (slow cooker), 70 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Serving Size: 8-10 people
Why You’ll Love It
I love this pulled pork recipe because it’s versatile, flavorful, and tender. The use of simple pantry spices and a sweet twist from Coca-Cola makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can be cooked in various ways—oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot—making it adaptable to your schedule.
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder (or butt), boneless or bone-in
- 2 tablespoons oil (optional for 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 Coca-Cola (not diet)
- BBQ sauce for coating (optional)
Instructions
- Trim and Season: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 4 pieces. Combine the spices in a bowl and rub them all over the pork. You can do this the night before for extra flavor.
- Sear (Optional): Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for a few seconds on each side.
- Cooking Methods:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the pork in a Dutch oven, pour in the Coca-Cola, cover with a lid, and cook for 3 hours. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours until tender.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the pork in a slow cooker, pour in the Coca-Cola, cover, and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Instant Pot Method: Place the pork in the Instant Pot, pour in the Coca-Cola, and cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes.
- Shred and Serve: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the cooking liquid, shred it with two forks, and toss with BBQ sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- BBQ Sandwiches: Serve on a bun with coleslaw and pickles.
- Tacos: Fill tacos with pulled pork, salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
- Nachos: Top nachos with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.
- Salads: Mix pulled pork with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Tips for Customization
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the spice mix for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Smoky: Use a sweet BBQ sauce or add honey to the spice mix.
- International Flavors: Try using Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for a spicy Korean-style pulled pork or Indian spices for a Goan-inspired version.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
FAQs
Q: What type of pork is best for pulled pork?
A: Pork shoulder or butt is ideal due to its marbling, which keeps the meat tender and moist during long cooking times.
Q: Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook and shred the pork a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it with some additional BBQ sauce if needed.
Q: How do I keep pulled pork moist?
A: Always cook it low and slow, and if reheating, add a bit of BBQ sauce or the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Conclusion
This pulled pork recipe is a staple in my household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. Its simplicity, flavor, and versatility make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress!
