Forget what you knew about pulled pork, because this is about to be your new go-to pulled pork recipe. Follow me…
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Using Dr Pepper to make pulled pork isn’t just a novelty, it’s actually a really key ingredient. Not only does it help keep the pork moist, but it also injects a gorgeous sweet flavour.
Does this pulled pork ACTUALLY taste of Dr Pepper?
The flavour is very faint after cooking, but when you mix in the BBQ sauce you’ll definitely taste it. Most of the flavour will come from the sauce though.
Pulled Pork Ingredients
Pork – You’ll want to use pork shoulder (pork butt). I prefer bone out with the top layer of fat removed. You’ll likely find this cut of meat in the supermarket, but definitely at the butchers. Dr Pepper – This offers a faint sweetness and helps keep the pork moist as it cooks. Onion – This infuses into the liquid. I also like to mix in the onion as you shred the pork. They’ll be ultra soft and will add a good hit of flavour. Also means they don’t go to waste! Seasoning – To coat the pork. Here I use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
How long to slow cook pulled pork?
On a low setting you’ll want to slow cook it for 10 hours. You can get away with 8-9, but honestly the longer the better.
Is it better to cook pulled pork on high or low?
I personally prefer the low setting. It’s incredibly difficult to overcook the meat on low, whereas high can be a little too much, especially if it’s a very thick cut of pork or if you let it over-run a little.
Do you need to sear pork shoulder before slow cooking?
I’ve tested both searing and non-searing, and to be honest the outcome is very similar. The flavour is about the same, the only difference is you get more crispy bits on the pork if searing before hand. Process shots: add pork to chopping board (photo 1), rub in seasoning (photo 2), add onions and dr pepper to slow cooker (photo 3), add pork then pour over more dr pepper (photo 4), add lid and slow cook (photo 5), take off lid and remove (photo 6).
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
Whilst the pork is slow cooking, you can get cracking on the BBQ sauce. Whilst the purpose of slow cooking it is to inject flavour, it’s main purpose is tenderizing (and obviously cooking) the pork. The sauce is what wraps it in a gorgeous sweet, tangy flavour. Sure you could use store-bought BBQ sauce, but it’s so easy to make it at home it’d be rude not to! Plus, more Dr Pepper 😛 Here’s how I like my BBQ sauce:
Sweet – The sweet aspect of the sauce comes from the Dr Pepper, alongside brown sugar and ketchup. Tangy – The ketchup will add some tanginess, but the bulk of the tang comes from apple cider vinegar. Spicy – I love adding a dash of hot sauce, alongside some mustard powder too. Smoky – Smoked paprika offers most of this, but the Worcestershire sauce will also add a touch of smokiness.
Alongside these ingredients, I like to add tomato paste to add a depth of flavour and some onion/garlic powder to add more of a rounded flavour.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Just allow to completely cool then tightly store in the fridge for around 2 weeks. I recommend warming again before stirring through the pork though.
BBQ Sauce Pulled Pork
Once the pulled pork is ridiculously tender (should very easily shred with two forks), you’ll want to whack it on a large curved baking tray. From there, just gently shred then incorporate the BBQ sauce. Although this sounds like strange advice, I recommend not over-shredding the pork. At least not in the first instance anyway. I don’t know about you, but have you ever had pulled pork that’s been shredded into oblivion and ends up being tough and dry? Yep, we’ve all been there! Start off conservatively and shred further with the sauce if needed. I also like to sneak in some of the slow cooker juices, alongside some of those ridiculously soft onions!
Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?
I find it’s best served fresh, just because it’s at its most tender. But you can store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3days (or in the freezer). Process shots: shred pork (photo 1), pour over BBQ sauce (photo 2), toss to combine (photo 3).
Serving Pulled Pork
If you haven’t eaten the entire thing straight off the tray by this point, there’s a variety of different ways you can serve pulled pork. My 3 favourite ways are:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw On top of Mac and Cheese Pulled Pork Nachos!
After another funky slow cooked pork recipe? Check out my Slow Cooker Cola Ham! For more delicious slow cooker recipes check out these beauties:
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Slow Cooker Chicken and Chorizo Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
How to make Dr Pepper Pulled Pork (Full Recipe & Video)
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