It may sound like an odd combination, but Dr Pepper pulled pork is the ultimate pulled pork recipe! The soda tenderizes the pork while garlic, honey, brown sugar, a delicious blend of spices pack a huge punch of flavor. Using a slow cooker not only leads to easier cleanup, but leaves you with incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that’s ready to be enjoyed. 

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Ingredients 

You’ll need:

• 4 to 5 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
• 1 medium-size sweet yellow onion (1 ½ cups), sliced thin
• 1 ½ cups or 12-ounce bottle/can of Dr Pepper
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke 
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
• Hamburger buns or deli rolls
• 15-ounce container of coleslaw, optional

Substitutions and Additions 

DR PEPPER: You can swap out Dr Pepper for any dark soda, like Coca Cola or root beer. Avoid using diet soda however, as the sugar substitutes don’t hold up well in the heat of the slow cooker and can leave you with a less than pleasant aftertaste.

PORK BUTT OR SHOULDER: Pork butt and shoulder are the best cuts of meat for pulled pork, pork loin is also a good substitute. Try to stay away from leaner cuts of pork as they don’t shred as well. 

SPICY: Add some spice to this dish with your favorite hot sauce, some cayenne pepper, or add some smokey chipotle peppers to the Crockpot. 

How to Make This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe 

PRO TIP: Even if you have your own blend of spices and sauces you like to use on your pulled pork, this is a great cooking method to achieve fool-proof pulled pork that’s incredibly tender. 

STEP ONE: Begin by evenly laying sliced onion in the bottom of a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker.

STEP TWO: Place the pork on top then pour the Dr Pepper over the meat. 

STEP THREE: Then mix together the honey, liquid smoke, and garlic in a small bowl. Cover the pork evenly with the mixture using a basting brush or pastry brush.

STEP FOUR: In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin.

STEP FIVE: Evenly sprinkle the dry seasoning mixture over the smoke sauce.

STEP SIX: Cook the pork on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. When the pork is done, it will be tender and easy to shred.

STEP SEVEN: Shred the pork in the slow cooker, in a large serving dish, or on a cutting board.

PRO TIP: To shred the pork, you can use two forks or a pair of tongs and a fork. Using one fork, or the tongs, hold onto the piece of pork. Use the other fork to tear away pieces of pork. 

STEP EIGHT: Once shredded, toss the pork with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. 

How To Serve 

This pork is fantastic on its own, on a sandwich, in a taco or on nachos. There are so many ways to enjoy it! If serving it a more traditional way on hamburger buns, top it with coleslaw and serve it alongside other BBQ classics like deviled eggs, baked beans, and cornbread. 

Storage 

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover pulled pork (if you have any!)  in an airtight container for up to 5 days

IN THE FREEZER: Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 4 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating it. 

REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. I like to reheat it at power level 6 or 7 so the pork stays super juicy. 

Tender, flavorful pulled pork has never been easier! This simple recipe will leave you with drool-worthy pulled pork that’s ready to be enjoyed in so many delicious ways.  

FAQ:

Q? Can I use paprika instead of smoked paprika?

A: I recommend using smoked paprika in this recipe as it has a very distinctive flavor that will give you that classic, smoky BBQ taste without the need for a smoker.  

Q? What’s the best cut of meat for pulled pork? 

A: The best cut of meat for pulled pork is pork shoulder, or pork butt. It has a higher fat content which helps to give you tender, juicy pulled pork. 

Q? Do I drain the liquid from the slow cooker before adding the BBQ sauce to the pork?

A: I didn’t drain any liquid from the slow cooker when making this recipe. Ultimately, it’s personal preference. You can drain the liquid, but you may need more BBQ sauce to compensate for the lack of liquid.

Print

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Enjoy the flavors of BBQ and the ease of a slow cooker with this Dr Pepper pulled pork recipe featuring tender pork, BBQ sauce, and a delectable blend of smoky spices.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 6 hours hours

Total Time 6 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 9

Ingredients

• 1 medium-size sweet yellow onion sliced thin 1 ½ cups
• 4 to 5 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
• 12 ounces Dr Pepper 1 ½ cups
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon garlic fresh minced
• ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• hamburger buns or deli rolls
• 15 ounces coleslaw optional

Instructions

• Line a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with aluminum foil or a crock pot liner.
• Evenly layer the thinly sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Place the pork on top of the onions then pour the Dr Pepper over the pork.
• In a small mixing bowl add the liquid smoke, honey, and minced garlic. Stir to combine the ingredients. Use a basting brush to evenly brush the smoke sauce onto the pork.
• In a small mixing bowl combine the brown sugar, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin.
• Evenly sprinkle the dry seasoning on top of the pork.
• Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
• When the pork has finished cooking, either leave the pork in the crockpot or transfer the meat to a large baking dish. Carefully use 2 forks or a set of tongs to shred the pork.
• Pour the BBQ sauce over the top of the shredded pork. Then use tongs to toss the pork and sauce.
• Serve on either hamburger buns or deli rolls, and coleslaw.

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