By Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn
The Kitchn.com
A barbecue meal is one of my husband’s favorite things to eat. Smoked ribs, hefty slices of brisket, and a big scoop of coleslaw are all welcome additions to the plate. The star of the show, and the one thing we never neglect to order though, is pulled pork. Over the years I’ve made pulled pork at home many times, and while there are a ton of different ways to do it, my summertime go-to has long been Dr Pepper pulled pork.
It’s hard to overstate just how simple and flavorful Dr Pepper pulled pork is. With surprisingly few ingredients and a trip through the slow cooker, it yields a barbecue plate-worthy pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just piling on top of a slice of cornbread.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s shockingly simple. Just add the pork, Dr Pepper soda, and a few flavorful ingredients to the slow cooker and walk away.
- It’s make-ahead friendly. This is a low-and-slow affair, perfect for setting up the night before a cookout or gathering and letting the slow cooker work its magic while you sleep. It also makes great leftovers, freezes well, and reheats like a dream, so it’s easy to make even further ahead if you like.
Key Ingredients in Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
- Pork shoulder roast: This large, tender, fatty cut can be labeled various ways—pork shoulder, pork butt, Boston butt, etc. Look for a boneless cut without the skin.
- Dr Pepper soda: Do not sub diet Dr Pepper for this recipe; the sweeteners used in diet soda add off flavors to the final dish.
- Onion and garlic. Add a backbone of allium flavor to the pork.
- Soy sauce. A little soy sauce adds umami to the pork without overwhelming the flavors.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These smoked peppers add a mild spice without making the pork too spicy. I prefer a little kick, but feel free to leave them out if you don’t.
- Liquid smoke. Adds a hint of smokiness without having to cook over an open flame.
Helpful Swaps
For milder pork, omit the chipotle peppers.Storage and Make-ahead Tips
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn is a food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to [email protected].
