Get ready to transform your dinner game with the most mouthwatering, fall-apart tender pulled pork sliders you've ever tasted! Imagine a recipe that combines the sweet, bold flavor of Dr Pepper with succulent pork shoulder, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that'll have everyone begging for seconds. This slow cooker marvel is not just a meal - it's a flavor explosion that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration that's incredibly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder
- 1 can Dr Pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns for serving
Instructions
- Remove pork shoulder from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Slice onion into thin rings and spread evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion slices, positioning it fat-side up for optimal moisture retention.
- Pour entire can of Dr Pepper slowly over the pork, ensuring liquid covers approximately half of the meat.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily shredded.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove pork from slow cooker and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large fat pieces.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all pulled pork pieces.
- Return shredded pork to slow cooker and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Toast slider buns lightly, then generously fill with pulled pork mixture.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with additional barbecue sauce or coleslaw.
Tips
- • Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for maximum tenderness and flavor • Pat the meat dry before seasoning to help create a better crust and flavor absorption • Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the key to incredibly tender pulled pork • If possible, let the meat rest for 15-20 minutes after shredding to allow flavors to meld • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or some minced garlic to the Dr Pepper • Toasting the slider buns adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or slow cooker • For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
