Ingredients
– 4 lb pork shoulder or pork butt (boneless preferred)
– 2 tablespoons oil (optional for searing)
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 12 ounces cola (regular, not diet; root beer or a mixture of ½ cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup apple juice as substitutes)
– Barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions
1-First Step: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving a manageable layer for moisture and flavor. Then cut the pork into 4 pieces so it cooks evenly.
2-Second Step: In a bowl, combine the spices: paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well so the rub tastes consistent in every bite.
3-Third Step: Rub the spice mixture all over the pork. This can be done the night before for deeper flavor, then kept covered in the refrigerator.
4-Fourth Step: Optional but helpful: heat the oil in an oven-safe pot over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides for a few seconds. This adds color and extra flavor.
5-Final Step: Choose your cooking method below and follow the timing closely. When the pork is ready, shred it and add BBQ sauce if you want a saucier finish.
6-Oven method temperature: Preheat your oven to 300°F.
7- Place the pork in an oven-safe pot.
8- Pour the cola around the pork (not on top) so it creates flavorful steam in the pot.
9- Cover with a lid and cook for 3 hours.
10- Remove the lid and cook an additional 1 to 2 hours, until tender and shreddable.
11- Shred the pork, then mix it with the cooking juices. Add BBQ sauce if desired.
12- Place the rubbed pork into your slow cooker.
13- Pour the cola around the pork (again, not on top).
14- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until tender.
15- Shred the meat and stir it back into the flavorful juices. Finish with BBQ sauce if you like.
16- Place the pork in the pressure cooker.
17- Pour the cola around it.
18- Cook on high pressure for 70 minutes.
19- Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then shred the meat.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥤 Regular cola tenderizes and sweetens perfectly; avoid diet – root beer or apple cider mix works too.
🔥 Sear pork first for richer flavor, but skip for truly hands-off cooking.
❄️ Freeze shredded pork up to 3 months; reheat low and slow with juices to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating (optional): Overnight
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (oven)
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 oz
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 554mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 124mg
