Ingredients
– 4 lb pork shoulder or pork butt (boneless preferred)
– 2 tablespoons oil for searing
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 12 ounces cola (regular soda recommended, root beer is a good substitute)
– Barbecue sauce for tossing
Instructions
1-First, trim excess fat from the pork and cut it into 4 pieces for even cooking.
2-Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder in a bowl, then rub this spice mix all over the pork.
3-You can do this step the night before to let the flavors settle in deeper.
4-Optional: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy pot with a lid over medium-high heat and sear all sides of the pork pieces for a few seconds to lock in juices.
5-For the oven method, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, place the pork in the pot, pour 12 ounces cola around it, cover with the lid, and cook for 3 hours.
6-Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1 to 2 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
7-If you prefer a hands-off approach, try the slow cooker method by placing the pork and 12 ounces cola in the device.
8-Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until itβs tender.
9-For a quicker option, use a pressure cooker: place the pork and cola inside, cook on high pressure for 70 minutes, and allow a natural release of pressure for about 15 minutes before opening.
10-Once done, remove the pork and shred the meat with forks, then toss it with barbecue sauce if you like.
11-Serve it hot on buns or with sides for a complete meal.
Notes
π Use regular cola for tenderizing and adding sweetness; diet sodas are less effective.
π₯€ Root beer or a mix of apple cider vinegar and apple juice can serve as good alternatives.
βοΈ Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated for 2-3 days or freeze up to 3 months; reheat with added moisture to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven roasting, Slow cooking, Pressure cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 ounces
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 554 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg
