Pulled Pork with Coke and Brown Sugar (Crock Pot Recipe)

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This easy pulled pork with coke and brown sugar is bursting with savory flavors from simple ingredients and a humble can of Coca-Cola — perfect for busy weeknights, game day, Father’s Day dinner, or crowd-pleasing Memorial Day food and 4th of July food!

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About This Crock Pot Pulled Pork

This crave-worthy pulled pork recipe makes the best pulled pork sandwiches and pulled pork sliders for an easy meal the whole family will love!

It’s a comfort food classic and a delicious meal to keep in your back pocket when you need a hands-off dinner for busy weeknights!

This crockpot pulled pork is a favorite recipe for family meals, but it’s also a crowd-pleasing easy recipe for a backyard BBQ or cookout.

The simple recipe features a rich Coca Cola BBQ sauce that balances the sugary sweetness of dark soda with savory spices and tender meat.

You’ll definitely want to add it to your arsneal of easy slow cooker recipes!

YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE BECAUSE IT:

• Uses simple ingredients. You’ll only need a can of Coca-Cola and a few, everyday pantry staples to make it.
• Has minimal prep. This easy pulled pork recipe requires just a few easy steps and your crock pot does the rest.
• Profits from slow cooking. This process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while building rich, deep flavors for the perfect recipe.

Key Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: This heavily marbled cut of meat is the absolute gold standard for pulled pork. As it cooks low and slow in the crock pot, the rich interior fat melts completely, keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that coats the pork fibers and forms the foundation of a classic barbecue flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Smoked Paprika: This savory spice trio adds an immediate, robust layer of flavor to the meat. The smoked paprika provides an essential wood-fired hint that mimics a traditional outdoor smoker.
• Coca-Cola: The ultimate secret ingredient. The carbonation and natural acidity act as a powerful tenderizer, while the high sugar content reduces into a thick, caramelized glaze at the bottom of the pot. You can substitute this with Dr Pepper or root beer for a slightly different sweet profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a sharp, savory splash of umami that cuts through the heavy sweetness of the soda and brown sugar, perfectly balancing the braising liquid.
• BBQ Sauce: Stirred in at the very end after shredding the meat. Use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade style—a smoky hickory or a tangy Kansas City style pairs beautifully with this base.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Prep and Season the Meat

1. Prepare the pork: Prepare pork shoulder or pork butt by patting the meat dry and removing any excess fat.
2. Apply the rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork.

Slow Cook

3. Add to the pot: Place the pork into your crock pot and pour regular Coca-Cola and Worcestershire sauce around the pork.
4. Cook until tender: Place lid and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours (or high for 4 to 5 hours) until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Shred and Sauce

5. Shred the pork: Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred meat with two forks. Return the meat to the crock pot and mix in barbecue sauce (I like to use Sweet Baby Ray). Chef’s Note for crispier pork: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet with some of the juices and bake 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the edges are slightly crispy and caramelized. After crisping, mix in barbecue sauce, if desired.
6. Assemble and serve: Serve on hamburger buns or slider rolls, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Variations

Secrets for Success

• Use a toasted bun and a slotted spoon: This keeps the bread from getting too soggy.
• Don’t skip the rub: Even a simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper adds a ton of flavor — your slow cooker will carry it throughout the pork.
• Oven crisping is optional but magic: Spread shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 10–15 minutes for slightly caramelized, crispy edges — my favorite way to take this pulled pork to the next level.

How to Store and Freeze

• Fridge: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cooking juices or BBQ sauce.
• Freezer: Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months. Add leftovers to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, leaving room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

• Don’t have coke? Swap the coke for Dr. Pepper or Root Beer for a slightly different, sweet-savory flavor.
• Want it spicy? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the rub — this is my favorite way to mix things up!

What to do With Leftover Pulled Pork

This delicious shredded pork has so many uses outside of regular pork sandwiches! Here are some of our favorite ways to use up leftovers!

• Pulled Pork Nachos: Like these Loaded Carnitas Nacho Fries
• Pulled Pork Tacos: Warm tortillas, add shredded pork, slaw, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
• Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Combine pork with cheese, fold in tortillas, and cook until crispy.
• Pulled Pork Pizza: Top pizza dough with BBQ sauce, shredded pork, red onions, and mozzarella.
• Pulled Pork Sliders: Mini buns with pork, pickles, and coleslaw for parties or snacks.
• Pulled Pork Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Scoop baked potatoes and fill with pork, cheese, and sour cream.
• Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash: Sauté pork with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a hearty breakfast.
• Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese: Stir shredded pork into creamy mac and cheese for a comfort food twist.
• Pulled Pork Wraps or Burritos: Wrap pork with veggies, beans, and rice in a tortilla.
• Pulled Pork Salad: Toss pork over greens with corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.

FAQs

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