Quick Coca Cola Pulled Pork

If you ask me, Coca Cola pulled pork is one of those recipes that sounds a bit strange at first, but trust me on this one.

This Southern-inspired dish brings together tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder and the sweet, caramel notes of Coca Cola. The soda works its magic during the cooking process, helping break down the meat until it’s perfectly shreddable.

I love how the cola creates a sticky, slightly sweet sauce that coats every bit of meat. Add a splash of liquid smoke and some basic pantry spices, and you’ve got something that’ll make your whole house smell amazing.

It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and even better, you can let your slow cooker do most of the work.

What Kind of Pork Shoulder Should I Use?

For pulled pork, you’ll want to look for a cut labeled either “pork shoulder” or “Boston butt” at your grocery store – they’re actually the same thing, just different names. The best pieces will have some nice marbling (those white streaks of fat running through the meat) since this fat helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking time. While you can use a leaner cut, the end result won’t be quite as tender or flavorful. Most pork shoulders come with a fat cap on top, and it’s totally fine to leave this on during cooking – you can always remove it later if you want. Just make sure you pick a piece that’s around 4 pounds since anything much smaller might dry out during cooking, and anything much larger will need adjusted cooking times.

Options for Substitutions

This simple pulled pork recipe has room for some easy swaps if needed:

• Pork shoulder: While pork shoulder (Boston butt) gives the best results for pulled pork, you can use pork picnic or pork loin in a pinch. Just note that pork loin will be a bit drier due to its lower fat content, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix.
• Cola: Any cola works here! Regular Coke, Pepsi, RC Cola, or even Dr Pepper can do the job. If you’re watching sugar intake, diet versions work just fine. Just avoid fruit-flavored sodas as they’ll change the taste too much.
• Seasoning mix: Out of your usual seasoning mix? Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon each of paprika and brown sugar, plus 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will give you about 4 tablespoons of mix.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making Coca Cola pulled pork is rushing the cooking process – this cut needs low and slow cooking (around 8-10 hours on low, or 5-6 hours on high in a slow cooker) to break down the tough muscle fibers and become tender enough to pull apart easily. Another common error is lifting the slow cooker lid too frequently, which releases essential heat and moisture, adding up to 30 minutes of extra cooking time each time you peek. For the juiciest results, avoid trimming too much fat from your pork shoulder before cooking, as this fat melts during the cooking process and keeps the meat moist – you can always remove excess fat after cooking. Finally, make sure to let the meat rest for 15-20 minutes before shredding, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out onto your cutting board.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork?

When it comes to pulled pork, I love setting up a casual sandwich bar with soft brioche buns and a variety of toppings like tangy coleslaw, pickled onions, and extra BBQ sauce. For sides, classic Southern favorites like mac and cheese, baked beans, or corn on the cob really hit the spot – they’re perfect for soaking up all those tasty pork juices. If you want to keep things simple, a crispy potato salad or some sweet potato fries work great too. And don’t forget to put out some pickles and jalapenos for people who like a little extra kick with their sandwich!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your coca cola pulled pork will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. I like to keep the cooking juices with the meat to help it stay moist and flavorful – it actually gets even better after a day as the flavors continue to develop!

Freeze: This pulled pork is perfect for freezing! Pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags with some of the cooking liquid and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. I often make a big batch and freeze portions for easy meals later – it’s such a time-saver!

Reheat: To warm up your pulled pork, place it in a covered dish with a splash of water or leftover cooking liquid. Heat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or warm it slowly in a pan on the stove. You can also use a slow cooker on low – just make sure not to overheat it or the meat might dry out.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	720 minutes
Total Time	730-735 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2500-2800
• Protein: 200-230 g
• Fat: 180-200 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-50 g

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder (boston butt)
• 4 tablespoons seasoning mix
• 7.5 ounces cola (choose from regular, diet, coke zero, or mexican coke)

Step 1: Season the Pork Butt

Begin by generously seasoning your pork butt with your preferred dry rub.

Make sure to cover every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

For reference, use around 4 tablespoons of dry rub per 4 pounds of pork butt to ensure it is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned Boston butt into the slow cooker.

Once in place, pour your choice of Coke over the meat.

The soda adds both moisture and additional flavor as the pork cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to a low setting.

Allow the pork to cook on this low setting for approximately 12 hours.

This extended cooking time will ensure the pork becomes exceptionally tender.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

After your pork has cooked for 12 hours, it will be incredibly tender and ready to be enjoyed.

Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker, leaving the cooking liquids behind.

Place the pork on a plate, and use two forks to shred it, pulling the meat in opposite directions to create perfect pulled pork.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your deliciously tender pulled pork is now ready to be used in a variety of delightful dishes.

Consider making pulled pork sandwiches or adding it to salads, tacos, or other favorites.

Enjoy the results of your slow-cooked masterpiece!