Name: Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided -; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided -; 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt -; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil -; 2 red onions, cut into slices -; 1 12-ounce can Dr Pepper (or any other cola-type soda you prefer) -; 1/3 cup brown sugar -; 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, any favorite variety -; 3 tablespoons soy sauce -; 2 tablespoons honey -; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds -; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes, depending on how spicy you like it -; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcester sauce -; 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for extra smoky flavor) -; 3 cloves garlic, crushed -

Ingredients for - Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

1. 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

2. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

3. 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt

4. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

5. 2 red onions, cut into slices

6. 1 12-ounce can Dr Pepper (or any other cola-type soda you prefer)

7. 1/3 cup brown sugar

8. 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, any favorite variety

9. 3 tablespoons soy sauce

10. 2 tablespoons honey

11. 1 tablespoon mustard seeds

12. 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes, depending on how spicy you like it

13. 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcester sauce

14. 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for extra smoky flavor)

15. 3 cloves garlic, crushed

How to cook deliciously - Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

1 . Stage

Spray the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray

2 . Stage

Season the pork: Combine 2 teaspoons of the kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle it thoroughly over the pork, using extra salt and pepper if needed to generously cover all sides

3 . Stage

Sear the pork: Warm the oil in a large pot, Dutch oven, or cast iron skillet over high heat. Be sure to turn the vent on and throw open the windows as we’re going to create a lot of smoke. Once the oil is glistening, add the pork. It should sizzle immediately. Sear the pork for 3 to 5 minutes on all sides -- you want a nice golden-brown crust on each side. Don’t force it along. If the pork sticks to the pan, wait another minute or two until it releases easily before turning. Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker.

4 . Stage

Cook the onions: In the same pot used to sear the pork, add the onions and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook until the onions soften up and begin to take on bit of color, about 5 minutes. Use the liquid the onions release to scrape up the delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan as they cook. Transfer the cooked onions to the slow cooker with the pork.

5 . Stage

Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, the Dr Pepper, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, mustard seeds, chili flakes, Worcester sauce, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour this over the pork and onions. Scatter the crushed garlics around the pork. At this point, you can cover the pork and place it in the fridge overnight, or until you're ready to start cooking.

6 . Stage

Cook the pork: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook for 8 to 10 hours on LOW – the longer the better.

7 . Stage

Shred the pork and serve: Once the cooking is done, transfer the meat to a large serving dish using tongs. Scoop up all of the cooked onions and smashed garlic as well, as they’ll add a lot of flavor. Use a pair of forks to tear and shred the pork apart. Stir in some of the cooking liquid, one tablespoon at a time, to make it extra saucy, and serve. Leftovers will keep for 1 week refrigerated, or up to 3 months frozen. Links: Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce here on Simply Recipes