Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of tender pulled pork that’s been simmering all day.
With just a few simple ingredients like a pork shoulder roast, Dr. Pepper, and barbecue sauce, you can create a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Picture serving it in sandwiches, tacos, or with your favorite sides.
Intrigued by how effortless this could be? Let’s explore the steps to make this savory delight.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 fork
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 1 can Dr. Pepper (12 ounces)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, here’s a timeline to follow:
Day Before Cooking
- Evening (10-15 minutes):
- Read Recipe: Spend 5 minutes reading through the entire recipe to guarantee you understand the steps and have all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Ingredients: Spend 5-10 minutes gathering all the ingredients and equipment. Measure out any spices and store them in small bowls or containers.
Cooking Day
- Morning (10 minutes):
- 7:50 AM: Begin by preparing the pork shoulder roast (trimming any excess fat if necessary).
- 7:55 AM: In a mixing bowl, combine Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 7:58 AM: Place the pork shoulder roast into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it.
- 8:00 AM: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low.
- Cooking Time (8 hours):
- 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Let the pork cook in the slow cooker. During this time, you can go about your day.
- Afternoon (10 minutes):
- 4:00 PM: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 4:10 PM (Shredding and Mixing):
- Use a fork to shred the pork into pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce.
- Serving Time:
- Serve the pulled pork on buns or as desired.
Additional Time Considerations
- 10 minutes for Cleanup: Allocate time for cleaning up any utensils or equipment used during preparation.
- Optional Searing (10 minutes): If you choose to sear the pork shoulder for added flavor, allocate an extra 10 minutes before starting the slow cooker.
Recipe Instructions
Place the pork shoulder roast into the slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, combine Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Use a fork to shred the pork into pieces.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce.
Serve the pulled pork on buns or as desired.
Serving Tips
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the pulled pork on soft buns with coleslaw for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Tacos: Use the pulled pork as a flavorful filling for tacos, topped with avocado and fresh cilantro.
- Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer pulled pork on tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious appetizer.
- Pulled Pork Pizza: Spread the pulled pork over pizza dough with mozzarella and red onions for a unique twist on pizza.
- Pulled Pork Salad: Add the pulled pork to a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Storage
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight bags for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze leftover pulled pork, cool it completely.
Place it in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat slow cooker Dr. Pepper pulled pork, use a microwave or stovetop.
Add extra sauce to prevent drying.
Heat until warm.
Stir occasionally for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is a simple and delicious dish that brings together the flavors of tender pork and the sweet, tangy notes of Dr. Pepper.
With minimal prep time and a slow cooking process, it’s an ideal recipe for busy days.
The combination of spices and barbecue sauce infuses the pork with rich taste, making it perfect for serving at family gatherings or casual dinners.
Don’t forget to let the pork rest before shredding, as this helps retain its juiciness.
Whether you serve it on buns or as part of a larger meal, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.
For those looking to experiment, try variations by adjusting the barbecue sauce or adding your favorite spices.
Enjoy the ease and flavor of this delightful American classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Diet Dr. Pepper for This Recipe?
You can use Diet Dr. Pepper, but expect a slightly different flavor. I tried it once and found the sweetness a bit muted. If you prefer less sugar, it’s a good alternative, but taste might vary.
What Can I Substitute for Pork Shoulder Roast?
You can substitute pork shoulder roast with pork butt for a similar texture. I’ve tried it, and the results were delicious! Just follow the same steps, ensuring you cook it low and slow for tenderness.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
You can substitute jackfruit for pork in this recipe. It mimics the texture beautifully. Just drain canned jackfruit, add it to the slow cooker with the sauce, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Pressure Cooker Instead of a Slow Cooker?
You can definitely use a pressure cooker instead. I’ve tried it myself! Just adjust the cooking time to about 1 hour on high pressure. Release the pressure naturally for juicy, flavorful results. Enjoy experimenting!
How Spicy Is the Pulled Pork With This Recipe?
You’ll find this pulled pork mildly spiced with a subtle kick from the smoked paprika and black pepper. It’s not overpowering, allowing you to savor the sweet tanginess. My family loves it as-is, but adjust spices if desired.
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Fork
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 1 can Dr. Pepper 12 ounces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder roast into the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Use a fork to shred the pork into pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns or as desired.
Notes
