I’ve always been a fan of slow-cooked meats, and pulled pork with root beer is one of my favorite recipes. The dish has its roots in American barbecue, where pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. I love how the tender meat just falls apart when you pull it apart with two forks.
The root beer adds a unique twist to the traditional barbecue sauce, giving it a sweet and creamy flavor that my family and I just can’t get enough of. We make this recipe for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings, but it’s also a staple in our weekly meal rotation because it’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. My kids love helping me shred the meat with two forks, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!)
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy, considering it’s a comfort food. The pork shoulder is lean meat, and the root beer gives it a nice sweetness without adding refined sugars. Plus, we can easily make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I see the finished product – it’s just one of those dishes that never gets old. My husband loves how easy it is to serve – we can pile the shredded meat onto buns or serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It’s also great for meal prep because we can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
When I’m short on time, I can easily reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick dinner. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love food that’s both comforting and easy to eat? This pulled pork with root beer recipe is truly a winner in my book.
Root Beer Pulled Pork
4.7 from 874 votes
This root beer pulled pork is a sweet and savory twist on classic pulled pork. The root beer tenderizes the meat and creates a rich, caramelized sauce.
2In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
4Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Sear the pork shoulder for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned.
6This step builds flavor.
7In a separate bowl, whisk together root beer, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke if using.
8Pour this mixture over the browned pork in the pot.
9Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
10Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 3. 5 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
11Remove the pork from the pot and transfer to a cutting board.
12Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred the meat using two forks.
13Discard any large pieces of fat.
14Skim excess fat from the braising liquid in the pot.
15Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a sauce consistency.
16The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
17Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.
18Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
19Serve the pulled pork on buns, over rice, or as desired.
For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering. 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
I love serving this pulled pork with root beer at family gatherings because everyone always enjoys it. It’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or birthdays because it feeds a crowd and is easy to serve.
Plus, you can easily store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days before reheating them. When reheating leftovers, simply place them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through – you don’t even need to add any additional liquid!
For serving ideas, pile the shredded meat onto buns or serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Root Beer Pulled Pork
Q: What type of pork should I use for this recipe?
A: You can use either boneless pork shoulder or butt for this recipe. The pork shoulder is leaner and more tender, while the butt has more fat and connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, making it more tender as well.
Q: Can I use regular beer instead of root beer?
A: While you can substitute regular beer for root beer in this recipe, keep in mind that regular beer will give you a stronger flavor profile that might not be suitable for everyone.
Q: How long do I need to cook the pork in the slow cooker?
A: You can cook the pork in the slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.
Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by cooking the pork in a large Dutch oven over low heat for 2-3 hours or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Q: How do I shred the meat once it’s cooked?
A: To shred the meat once it’s cooked, use two forks to gently pull apart the fibers into shreds.
Q: Can I store leftovers in an airtight container for later use?
A: Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days before reheating them.
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