Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is co*ke or Dr Pepper better for pulled pork? ›

Pepper soda, which acts as a tenderizer for the meat and adds so much flavor during the low and slow cooking process. Any similar soda that you enjoy will work well — Coca Cola and root beer are also great options and can be substituted in equal quantities.

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

You will be amazed at how much flavor a can of Dr. Pepper adds to pork. Not only that, but the sugars in the cola help to tenderize the crockpot pork, making it fall-apart tender.

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed. You can shred the pork during smoking or in the crockpot.

Cola typically has a pH of about 2.7—for comparison, lemon juice has a pH of 2—making it acidic enough to break down some proteins without dissolving your meat. Soda acts as great tenderizer—you could get a tender cut of meat grill-ready in less than a half-hour.

The acid from the apple cider and apple cider vinegar help to tenderize the meat while also keeping it juicy and flavorful. The low and slow cooking method makes it fall apart as soon as your fork touches it and shreds beautifully.

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer. We recommend a temperature of 195-200 °F / 90-93 °C for tender, juicy pork which pulls apart easily.

Pour 1 1/2 cups liquid, such as low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, tomato juice, light or amber beer, white or red wine, orange juice, or a mix of several liquids (and optional liquid smoke) over the pork. The pork should be only partially submerged, with some of the pork remaining above the surface of the liquid.

On low heat, cook for 8-10 hours; on high heat, cook for 5-6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shredded. Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker? Yes, overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.

The Coca-Cola makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.

How to doctor up pulled pork? ›

The Spices: Spices can vary when it comes to pulled pork, but my go-to, best-ever combination uses smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Lager: This is my secret ingredient for ultra-flavorful pulled pork—use your favorite lager here.

Dr Pepper isn't just here to flavor this roast: It works as a tenderizing ingredient, too. Marinades include acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice—and in this case, Dr Pepper—that help break down fibers in tough cuts to make meat more tender and delicious after cooking.

We use brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a good amount of salt & pepper, and a pinch of cayenne! Make sure you use all of the seasoning! Also, really rub it into the pulled pork, get all of the nooks and crannies!

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little tanginess and helps to tenderize the pork. Without it, the pork tastes flat. Adding the vinegar wakes everything up. Fish sauce or Worcestershire: Seasons our cooking liquid and adds a nice burts of umami, which makes the pulled pork even more delicious.

Fyi, this topic, and the history around it, are covered at the Dr Pepper museum. All sodas are essentially bad for you. There might be small differences in the amount of sugar, calories, or caffeine between the two, but if you're trying to be healthy, cutting out soda altogether is the way to go.

Root beer would make a good substitute. If you don't want to use soda you can substitute another acid, like ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with one cup of apple juice. Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.