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Tender Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

slow cooker root beer pulled pork - featured image
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A beginner-friendly slow cooker pulled pork recipe infused with root beer for a tender, juicy, and flavorful meal perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 can (12 fl oz / 355 ml) root beer (natural brand like A&W or Barq’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Soft hamburger buns or slider rolls (optional, for serving)
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
  • Pickles (optional, for serving)
  • Your favorite barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better.
  2. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  3. Rub this mixture all over the pork generously.
  4. Place the rubbed pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the root beer evenly around the pork, avoiding pouring it directly over the rub.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the pork easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of about 195°F (90°C).
  7. Remove the pork from the slow cooker onto a large plate or cutting board.
  8. Use two forks or shredding claws to pull the pork apart into bite-sized strands.
  9. Optional: Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced by half and slightly thickened. Pour over shredded pork for extra flavor.
  10. Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce if desired.

Notes

Trim excess fat leaving a thin layer to keep pork moist. Pat pork dry before applying rub for better crust. Pour root beer gently to avoid washing off rub. Check pork an hour before minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking. Refrigerate rubbed pork overnight for enhanced flavor. For thicker sauce, reduce cooking liquid by simmering. Can substitute root beer with cola or ginger ale but avoid diet sodas. Use gluten-free barbecue sauce for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, root beer, barbecue, easy recipe, beginner-friendly, tender pork, slow cooked, comfort food

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/tender-slow-cooker-root-beer-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-homemade-pulled-pork-for-beginners/