Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why put Dr Pepper in pulled pork? ›

Injecting with the cherry Dr Pepper adds flavor to the inside of the pork butt and increases the juiciness of the finished product. I put an ounce or so of cherry Dr Pepper about every 2 inches across the top of the butt.

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.

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.

The first thing we do when preparing for the smoking process is to season and rub the pork a day in advance.

Cooking the pork low and slow makes it incredibly tender. If you'd prefer to make this in the oven, see our oven pulled pork recipe.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Can I use Pepsi instead of co*ke for pulled pork? ›

Yes. You can substitute Pepsi with other types of soda like co*ke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, and or even beer. Some like to add pineapple juice which also tenderizes and sweetens the pork.

I love to use pineapple juice for pulled pork. However, apple juice, beer, or even water works well too.

Apply about 2 TBS of yellow mustard to the top and sides of the meat then coat the top and sides with Jeff's original rub. Wait about 10 minutes then flip the pork over to fat cap side down. Apply the same mustard and rub to the "now" top side and it's ready to cook.

Adding pulled pork sandwich toppings like coleslaw, cheese, or even international options like kimchi is a great way to make a simple dish a memorable one to share with family and friends.

Throw it in the trash

Toilets, sinks, and floor drains are all off-limits as gluey oils and animal fats will destroy your plumbing.

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.

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. But co*ke isn't limited to southern cooking!

Cumin is a favourite in curries, but it also works incredibly well with pork. It is a go-to savoury spice for a reason: its distinct, earthy flavour. You wouldn't necessarily just season pork with cumin, but mixing it with other seasonings like ginger and lime can enhance the flavour significantly.