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Savory Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe with Easy Sweet Smoky Glaze

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This pulled pork recipe uses Dr Pepper to tenderize the meat and infuse it with subtle caramel notes, finished with an easy sweet smoky glaze. Perfect for casual gatherings and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat but not too lean
  • 12 ounces Dr Pepper (original, not diet)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry rub by combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well to blend all spices evenly.
  2. Trim excess fat off the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the dry spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat so it sticks well. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes if time allows.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour 12 ounces of Dr Pepper around (not over) the pork to avoid washing off the rub.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours, until the pork easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 195°F (90°C).
  6. While the pork cooks, make the sweet smoky glaze by combining honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and glaze thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  7. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large platter or bowl. Use two forks or tongs to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  8. Pour the warm sweet smoky glaze over the shredded pork and toss gently to coat evenly. Add some strained cooking liquid from the slow cooker if a saucier texture is desired.
  9. Serve warm on buns, over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Notes

Do not pour Dr Pepper directly over the rub-coated pork to avoid washing off the spices; pour around the meat instead. Low and slow cooking is key for tender, juicy pork. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding to redistribute juices. For a deeper smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke cautiously. The recipe can also be made in a Dutch oven or Instant Pot with adjusted cooking times.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://larameals.com/savory-dr-pepper-pulled-pork-recipe-with-easy-sweet-smoky-glaze/