root beer pulled pork slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best root beer pulled pork slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my root beer pulled pork slow cooker recipe. It’s a game-changer for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a casual dinner, or even a potluck. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.

The key to this recipe is the use of root beer as a marinade, which adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. I first discovered this recipe at a friend’s potluck dinner, and I was hooked from the first bite. Since then, I’ve made it countless times for my family and friends, and it never fails to impress.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they’re always excited to see what the finished product looks like. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it to cook, and let the magic happen.

You’ll be rewarded with tender pork that falls apart easily and a delicious sauce that’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles. I love how versatile this recipe is – you can serve it as a main course or use it as a topping for sandwiches or salads. And the best part?

It’s incredibly healthy! With no added sugars or artificial preservatives, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and see why it’s become one of my favorite slow cooker recipes ever.

Root Beer Pulled Pork

4.8 from 1506 votes

This slow cooker root beer pulled pork is a sweet and savory dish that cooks low and slow until fork-tender. The root beer adds a unique caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky pork.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Cooking Liquid

1 (12-ounce) can root beer (not diet)
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For Serving

8 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 3 to 4 large chunks.
2Pat the chunks dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4Sear the pork chunks for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
5In a medium bowl, whisk together the root beer, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
6Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
7Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
8The pork is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 200°F.
9Use tongs to transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
10Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
11Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker, then return the shredded pork to the pot.
12Stir to coat the meat with the sauce, and cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
13Serve the pulled pork on toasted hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.
14Spoon extra sauce from the slow cooker over the meat for added moisture.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Two forks for shredding
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan after shredding and simmer over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes until reduced. Diet root beer can make the dish too sweet, so use regular root beer for the best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Root Beer Pulled Pork Works

This root beer pulled pork slow cooker recipe has become a staple in our household, perfect for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering or just a casual dinner. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort on your part. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do its magic.

You’ll be rewarded with tender pork that falls apart easily and a delicious sauce that’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Root Beer Pulled Pork

What type of root beer should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a regular or diet root beer without any added flavors or sweeteners. Avoid using barrel-aged or infused root beers as they may change the flavor profile of your dish.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

While you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot, I highly recommend using a slow cooker as it allows for even cooking and tenderizes the pork perfectly.

How long does the pork need to cook in the slow cooker?

Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast or thighs for the pork in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains pork and is not suitable for vegetarians.

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