This shoulder of pork is made in the crock pot with coke and then pulled to make the best pork recipe.
Dump and go recipes are the best, right!? Especially with this Coke pulled pork recipe, made in the slow cooker. No precooking is required, just place everything in your crock pot and then you are ready for a pulled pork sandwich, nachos, or anything else.
Quick Tips from Allie Carte
A couple quick tips before we get into everything, but I will thoroughly explain this all in the post that follows.
- Make this pulled in the instant pot instead
- Substitute chicken for the pork
- Use this pork for dinner, meal prep or gatherings
Let's get into more of the juicy details. Get it, juicy details, because this pork is so juicy and tender.
What Do You Need To Make Coke Pulled Pork
First things first for this coke pulled pork recipe is a crock pot or slow cooker of course. I use the original crock pot brand and I love using the liners for easy clean up; however, you do not have to. Make sure you grab a meat thermometer too, that can stay in a closed crock. I think food like ribs, and many types of pork, are perfect in the crock pot but that is up to you!
You can also crisp up the pulled pork on the stove or in the oven.
To make this recipe, just grab a couple ingredients and press go.
- Pork shoulder or butt
- Seasonings
- Coca Cola
- BBQ sauce
Suggestions and Substitutions
The meat I chose for this was pork shoulder, it is boneless. Using a shoulder of pork for pulled pork is delicious. However, different types of pork work great too, pork butt is another great option. Don't forget, you can also use chicken to keep this a lower fat or calorie recipe.
For the seasoning, I like my pork garlic-y and sweet, with a hint of onion; however, you can use any seasonings that you like, add or remove any, or reduce or add some more of what I use. This is what I like, and I think it is a pretty basic recipe that we can all get behind. Pulled pork seasoning mixes are also available for convenience.
With the BBQ sauce, I choose to use a sugar free one, which is why I add brown sugar replacement back in. I know, this is shredded crock pot pork, its not healthy, but I feel just a little bit better about myself by using sugar free, okay! You are more than welcome to use any of your favorite BBQ sauces, skip the brown sugar replacement or use regular brown sugar. I want this recipe to be something you, enjoy and love, and that just speaks you.
The Coke makes for an amazing flavor. You can also substitute Pepsi or a generic brand. I also use Coke Zero.
How to Make Coke Pulled Pork
Let's make some Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Coke using a shoulder of pork.
Slow cooked coke pulled pork is quite easy to make. The hardest part is trying not to devour the pork as the amazing smell fills your home all day long but that's another story.
I suggest using one of these crock pot liners for easy clean up, situate that on the crock pot first.
In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings. Pat dry the pork shoulder, if there is any excess liquid. Then press the seasonings into all sides of the pork. Pour the coke into the bottom of the slow cooker then add in the pork. If there is a fat cap, put the fat cap placing up.
I use a meat thermometer to know exactly when the pork is ready. At this point, place your probe into the pork shoulder then cover the pot and cook on low for four hours, or until the pork reaches 205 degrees. At 205 degrees, the pork becomes very tender and it is easy to cook because the collagen has broken down. Science stuff, we are not here for that.
Let the pork cool for a couple minutes, so it is not too hot to the touch, then shred with a hand mixer or two forks. Add in the BBQ sauce, mixing to combine.
Crisping the Pork
Let the pork cool for a couple minutes, so it is not too hot to the touch. As the pork is cooling, heat oil in a pan over medium high heat. I like to use a pot with tall sides as this can get messy.
Once the pork has slightly cooled, shred with a hand mixer or two forks. Combine the pork with the BBQ sauce, mixing to coat. Add the shredded pork to the pan with the heated oil, cover, and let crisp for a couple minutes.
Once that side is crisped to your likeness, toss the pork and repeat this crisping process. Crisp the pork on the stovetop until it reaches your desired wellness. Remove from heat once ready.
Instead of crisping the pork on the stovetop, do it in the oven. Add the shredded pork to a baking tray. Place under the broiler and broil for 5 minutes, or until desired crispness.
What To Do With Crock Pot Coke Pulled Pork Recipe
I typically just eat this on its own for my first go around. It is really good in a sandwich as well. As leftovers, I love to do a pulled pork sandwich. This time, I made nachos! I used thin and crispy tortilla chips, placing them on a baking tray. Then I covered them in salsa con queso, the pork, and some more shredded cheese. Don't forget to add your favorite toppings.
Making More Pork
This recipe calls for 1 pound of pork, which is not that much, it feeds about 4 people. To increase the amount of pork, it needs to be cooked a lot longer. I will chart some common poundage and their cook times, but again, a meat thermometer is your best friend. I pull it out when it hits 205 degrees.
- 1 pound of pork - 4 hours
- 2.5 pounds - 7 hours
- 4 pounds - 9 hours
- 5 pounds - 10 hours
Cooking times may vary depending on the shape and thickness of the pork butt, be sure to use a meat thermometer.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Coke pulled pork in the slow cooker is amazing. There is nothing like pulled pork in the crock pot. However, this can also be made in the instant pot.
Instant Pot
Repeat the same recipe steps for the pork, except place the pork in the instant pot. You will need to grease the bottom of the instant pot and/or use a non-stick bowl insert.
Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 15 minutes and start it. (It will take about 15 minutes per pound to cook).
Once completely cooked, let it set for 5-7 minutes. Then, vent and de-pressurize the instapot then open the lid.
Repeat the same steps for the crisping parts. Crisp the pork on the stovetop until your desired wellness.
Using Chicken Instead
Coke pulled pork in the slow cooker is the best. Using a shoulder of pork for pulled pork is delicious. But I get it, not everyone loves pork. If you prefer to use chicken, that is great! You can still make my recipe; however, just modify it a little. I use two chicken breasts, that equal one pound total.
Crock Pot
Follow the majority of the recipe steps for the pork; however, the chicken will only need to cook for about 1.5-2 hours. Make sure to also use a meat thermometer. Chicken cooks to 165 degrees.
Follow the same steps to crisp the chicken; however, be careful not to dry out the chicken. Add a bit of chicken broth if it starts to dry out.
Instant Pot
Again, follow the majority of the same steps. But, put the chicken in the instant pot. You will need to grease the bottom of the instant pot and/or use a non-stick bowl insert.
Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 15 minutes and start it. (It will take about 15 minutes per pound to cook).
Once completely cooked, let it set for 5-7 minutes. Then, vent and de-pressurize the instapot then open the lid.
Follow the same steps to crisp the chicken; however, be careful not to dry out the chicken. Add a bit of chicken broth if it starts to dry out.
Coke Pulled Pork
This shoulder of pork is made in the crock pot with coke and then pulled to make the best pork recipe.
Coke Pulled Pork
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar replacement
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup Coke Zero
- 1 pound pork shoulder
- ½ cup sugar free BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings. Pat dry the pork shoulder, if there is any excess liquid. Then press the seasonings into all sides of the pork. Pour the coke into the bottom of the slow cooker then add in the pork. If there is a fat cap, put the fat cap placing up.
- I use a meat thermometer to know exactly when the pork is ready. At this point, place your probe into the pork shoulder then cover the pot and cook on low for four to five hours, or until the pork reaches 205 degrees.
- Let the pork cool for a couple minutes, so it is not too hot to the touch, then shred with a hand mixer or two forks. Add in the BBQ sauce, mixing to combine.
- Place the pork on a greased baking tray. Broil in the oven for 5 minutes, or until slightly crispy.
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