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Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Sweet Smoky Pulled Pork for BBQ Fans

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This Dr Pepper pulled pork recipe is an easy, sweet, and smoky slow-cooker dish perfect for BBQ fans. It features tender pork shoulder cooked low and slow with a unique Dr Pepper glaze that balances sweet and smoky flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 (12-ounce) can or bottle Dr Pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  3. Massage the spice rub all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into every nook and cranny.
  4. Place the rubbed pork shoulder into the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the Dr Pepper over the pork, then add apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  7. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  8. Pour some cooking liquid back over the shredded pork and stir to coat evenly.
  9. Optional: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Serve warm on toasted buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

If cooking liquid is too thin, simmer it in a pan to thicken before mixing back into pork. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. For a caramelized crust, broil shredded pork briefly. Use pork shoulder with good marbling for best results. Can substitute cherry cola or root beer for Dr Pepper for different sweetness profiles. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dr Pepper pulled pork, pulled pork recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ pulled pork, sweet smoky pork, easy pulled pork

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/dr-pepper-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-sweet-smoky-pulled-pork-for-bbq-fans/