Pulled Pork

Author: Tastes Better From Scratch
Servings: 6

Time: 5 Hrs

Ingredients

4 lb pork shoulder , or butt

2 Tablespoons oil (optional if searing)

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

12 ounces coke (not diet)

bbq sauce for coating meat optional

Instructions

1. Trim pork of excess fat and cut into 4 pieces.

2. Combine spices in a small bowl and rub all over the pork. (This can be done the night before).

3. Sear (optional): Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear for a few seconds on all sides.

4. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Pour coke around the pork in the Dutch oven pot. Cover pot with lid and cook for 3 hours. Remove lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, until pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Remove from oven and shred meat. Toss in barbecue sauce, if desired.

5. Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on LOW (recommended) 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

6. Instant Pot Method: Place pork in instant pot and pour coke around it. Cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. When timer beeps, allow the pot to naturally release pressure, about 15 minutes longer. Remove lid and shred the meat.

Notes

Coke: The coke adds sweetness and tenderizes the meat (Diet soda wont produce as great of results). Root beer would make a good substitute. If you don't want to use soda you can substitute another acid, like 1/2 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. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.