When it comes to comfort food, few dishes match the tenderness and flavor of pulled pork. This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe infuses sweet soda with smoky spices, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. With its simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll find that this meal is not just delicious but also a celebration of flavors that will have everyone returning for more.
Why you’ll love this dish
Pulling together a meal that is both easy and crowd-pleasing can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. That’s why Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is a game changer. The combination of sweet and savory flavors meld beautifully, offering a taste that’s rich and satisfying without requiring hours of labor in the kitchen. This recipe is not only budget-friendly, but it also allows you to spend more time with your loved ones instead of slaving over the stove. Perfect for tailgating, summer barbecues, or even cozy winter nights, it caters to a variety of occasions.
"I made this Dr Pepper Pulled Pork for my family last weekend, and it was an instant hit! The meat was incredibly tender, and the flavor combination was out of this world. It disappeared within minutes!" — A Thrilled Cook
Step-by-step overview
Let’s break down how to achieve that irresistibly tender pulled pork. The cooking process is straightforward and forgiving, providing plenty of room for this dish to be adapted to your taste. You’ll be slicing onions, placing a succulent cut of pork in a slow cooker, and then whipping up a simple sauce to bring it all together. It’s a low-effort, high-reward scenario that will impress your guests without leaving you frazzled in the kitchen!
What you’ll need
To whip up this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, sliced thin (1 1/2 cups)
- 4 to 5 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- Hamburger buns or deli rolls
- 15 ounces coleslaw (optional)
You can always swap out the pork cut for a leaner alternative or adjust spices to your preference, allowing for flexibility in flavors.
