Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Sweet Smoky Glaze Guide

why make this recipe

Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is a deliciously sweet and smoky dish that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or family dinners. The combination of tender, flavorful pork with a unique glaze makes it stand out. Using Dr Pepper adds a special twist, giving the meat a rich, sweet flavor that will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal effort in the kitchen.

how to make Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 4-5 pounds pork shoulder/Boston butt
• 12 ounces Dr Pepper soda
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some marbling for juiciness. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
3. Rub the dry seasoning all over the pork shoulder, pressing it in to coat evenly.
4. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, then set the pork on top. Scatter minced garlic over the pork.
5. Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Dr Pepper around the pork, avoiding washing off the rub. The liquid should come about halfway up the pork but not cover the top.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is falling-apart tender.
7. About 30 minutes before the pork finishes, combine apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and glaze thickens slightly (about 8 minutes). Set aside.
8. Remove pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl. Use two forks or tongs to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat.
9. Pour the glaze over the shredded pork and toss gently to coat evenly. Return to the slow cooker or serve immediately.

how to serve Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Serve the pulled pork on soft buns for delicious sandwiches. You can also add coleslaw on top for extra crunch. It pairs well with side dishes like baked beans, corn on the cob, or mac and cheese. For a fun twist, serve it as a taco filling.

how to store Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a pot or microwave.

tips to make Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

• Make sure to use a good quality pork shoulder for the best flavor and texture.
• Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before shredding to retain moisture.
• You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or including some cayenne pepper in the rub.

variation

For a little kick, try adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the slow cooker for a spicy version. You can also replace Dr Pepper with other sodas, like root beer or cola, for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use pork loin, but it may not be as tender and juicy as pork shoulder.

Is it possible to cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can cook it on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before serving. Reheat as needed.

Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

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A deliciously sweet and smoky pulled pork dish that impresses with its unique Dr Pepper glaze, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

• Author: martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Total Time: 495 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 pounds pork shoulder/Boston butt
• 12 ounces Dr Pepper soda
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some marbling for juiciness. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the dry rub.
3. Rub the dry seasoning all over the pork shoulder, pressing it in to coat evenly.
4. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, then set the pork on top. Scatter minced garlic over the pork.
5. Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Dr Pepper around the pork, avoiding washing off the rub.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is falling-apart tender.
7. Combine apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and butter in a skillet over medium heat about 30 minutes before the pork finishes. Stir until butter melts and glaze thickens slightly.
8. Remove pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl. Shred the meat using two forks or tongs.
9. Pour the glaze over the shredded pork and toss gently to coat. Return to the slow cooker or serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the slow cooker. Substitute Dr Pepper with root beer or cola for different flavors.