Pulled pork can be a little intimidating to both first-time cooks and even more experienced chefs alike. Simple Pulled Pork makes it easy and straightforward to make the most tender, juiciest, and most savory pulled pork you could want! All it takes is a simple spice rub, and then a long but uncomplicated braise in sweet, caramelly cola. The result is the best sandwich filling of them all; it’s just crying out for a little barbeque sauce, coleslaw, or maybe even a burger to pile atop! Simple Pulled Pork lets you have classic cookout flavors whenever you want, with little hassle, and no one can argue with that.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder or butt
- 1 tablespoon 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
- 2 tablespoons oil, optional
- 12 ounces cola, not diet
- bbq sauce, optional, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Step 2 –Trim the pork of excess fat and cut the meat into 4 pieces.
Step 3 –Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 4 –Rub the spice blend all over the pork.
Step 5 –Heat the oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat.
Step 6 –Add the pork to the hot oil and sear it for a few seconds on all sides. You do not need to sear the meat, but it adds roast flavors to the pork.
Step 7 –Pour the cola all around the pork in the Dutch oven.
Step 8 –Cover the pot and roast in the oven for 3 hours.
Step 9 –Remove the lid and cook until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork, about 1-2 hours.
Step 10 –Transfer the meat from the oven and, when cool enough to handle, shred with two forks.
Step 11 –Toss with the barbeque sauce and serve.
Step 12 –Alternatively, you can put the pork and the cola in a slow cooker and cook on high until tender and easily shredded, about 4-5 hours. Serve as you would if using the oven.
