Print

Tender Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

slow cooker root beer pulled pork - featured image
Print Recipe

An easy, flavorful slow cooker pulled pork recipe using root beer to tenderize and add a unique sweetness. Perfect comfort food for gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 can (12 oz) root beer (e.g., Barq’s or Mug)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Soft sandwich buns or slider rolls (for serving)
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
  • Extra barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim any large chunks of fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
  3. Rub the seasoning mix all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat.
  4. Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. Set the rubbed pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
  6. Pour the entire can of root beer over the pork, liquid should come about halfway up the pork.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  8. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or tongs.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices and onions to keep it moist.
  10. Serve hot on buns with optional coleslaw and barbecue sauce.

Notes

Use a root beer with good flavor and not too sweet or artificially flavored. For thicker sauce, remove pork after shredding and simmer liquid on high uncovered for 15-20 minutes before stirring pork back in. Low and slow cooking is best to keep pork tender and juicy. Let pork rest before shredding to retain juices. Use forks or tongs to shred for tidiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, root beer pulled pork, easy pulled pork, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, pulled pork sandwich

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/tender-slow-cooker-root-beer-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/