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.

The acidity in soda helps to tenderize the meat while the sugars add flavor.

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.

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.

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!

The difference is the time it takes to reach that temperature. Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

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.

It's good to add a binder, which helps the rub stick to it. This can be olive oil, yellow mustard, or a spray oil like duck fat. For pork butt I usually go with mustard. It doesn't add any flavor to the finished product, but I like the way it holds the rub and the color it gives to the exterior early in the cook.

Why do you put apple cider vinegar in pulled pork? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar: to help tenderize the meat and add a little tang we're using a bit of apple cider vinegar. Apple Juice: to keep the meat nice and juicy you'll add a bit of apple juice to the slow cooker.

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.

For an all-American classic, I use a mix of ketchup, grainy mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Coca-Cola. Your liquid should not cover your pork in the slow cooker: it should only come up about a quarter of the way up the sides. The pork will make more liquid as it cooks, and you need to leave room for that.

The gelatin also thickens a bit as the meat cools during the rest, so more of it stays in the meat when sliced or pulled. Many competition barbecue teams will wrap briskets and pork butts in aluminum foil during the final stages of cooking and add broth, juice, or other flavorful concoctions to the foil package.

To reheat in the Slow cooker: Add the pork and leftover juices to slow cooker (add additional liquid if needed–apple juice, broth or water– to keep is moist).

The Coca-Cola makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender. I could make my own barbecue sauce but choose to use Famous Dave's Rich & Sassy sauce instead. It's easier, and my family loves it!

If you're not from the south, it may not have occurred to you that you can cook with Coca-Cola. But the king of sodas has been used in southern cooking for years — particularly in marinades and sauces for beef and pork. Its sweet acidity can help to tenderize meat, making it an ideal addition for a long slow brine.

It depends on where you're located. In Europe, Dr. Pepper has about 30% less sugar than co*ke, but the difference is almost negligible in America. They are both just above gasoline in terms of healthy beverages.

Recipe Tips

Use Rootbeer or Cola as a substitute for Dr. Pepper.