Pulled pork is a classic American BBQ dish made by slow-cooking pork shoulder until it becomes fall-apart tender and easy to shred. It’s incredibly versatile perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or rice bowls.
Inspired by Tastes Better From Scratch, this version uses simple pantry spices and a secret ingredient (like Coke) to create ultra-juicy, flavorful meat.
🥩 Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1.5–2 kg (3–4 lb) pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
Optional for Serving:
- BBQ sauce
- Burger buns / bread
- Coleslaw
👉 Pork shoulder is ideal because its fat content keeps the meat juicy during long cooking.
Also Read: Easy Meatloaf Recipe
👨🍳 Step by Step: How to Make Pulled Pork
1. Prepare the Meat
- Trim excess fat from the pork.
- Cut into 3–4 large chunks for even cooking.
- Mix all spices and rub generously over the meat.
- (Optional) Let it marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
- Sear pork pieces on all sides until browned.
- This locks in flavor and adds richness.
3. Slow Cook
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Add Coke around the pork (not on top).
- Cover and cook for 3 hours.
- Remove lid and cook 1–2 more hours until fork-tender.
Slow Cooker Option:
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until tender.
4. Shred the Meat
- Remove pork and shred using two forks.
- Discard excess fat if needed.
- Mix with cooking juices or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
5. Serve
- Serve on buns as sandwiches
- Or use in tacos, nachos, rice bowls, or wraps
Pulled pork is a crowd favorite and perfect for parties or meal prep.
Also Read: Chicken and Dumpling Recipe
🍽️ Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
- Cook low and slow, this breaks down connective tissue for tenderness
- Don’t skip resting time before shredding
- Add BBQ sauce only after shredding for best flavor
- Internal temperature should reach ~90–95°C for perfect shredding
Also Read: String Bean Casserole Recipe
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~300–320 kcal
- Protein: ~35–36 g
- Fat: ~12–14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5–8 g
- Sugar: ~4–6 g
(Values vary depending on sauce and portion size)
