Slow Cooker Pulled Pork- Made with Soda!

Sharing is caring!

Slow cooker pulled pork- This recipe is SO easy. Made with simple ingredients, slow cooked until the meat falls apart, and full of flavor. This easy dinner recipe is about to become a family favorite. 

This recipe was originally published March 31, 2014. It has since been updated to include new photos and tips. 

This is the recipe I pull out for every summer gathering. It is incredibly simple to make but packs a bold flavor. I constantly have people begging for the recipe and they don’t believe me when I tell them the secret ingredient… Soda. 

That’s right. I add an entire can of soda to the slow cooker with a seasoned pork roast and let that baby cook on low for 8+ hours. The acidity in soda helps to tenderize the meat while the sugars add flavor. It is my secret weapon and one I am so incredibly glad we stumbled upon. 

Ingredient for this pulled pork:

I mentioned that this is simple, and the ingredient list follows suit. It is short, but that means you really do need to pick quality ingredients. More on that later. Here is what you need to get started:

• Pork Roast (roughly 3 to 4 lbs.)
• Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper
• Soda 
• BBQ Sauce

Here is the skinny on the soda and barbecue sauce… You need to pick a dark soda, like Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola, and a GOOD quality sauce. We always reach for Sweet Baby Ray’s. Not sponsored. Just the brand we always grab. 

OR, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own easy bbq sauce.

Also, try making homemade buns! This recipe is particularly delicious served on my Onion Buns.

Best cut of meat for Pulled Pork:

I have made this recipe dozens of times using all different cuts of meat. Technically, any cut will work for a pulled pork. Which means you can pick up anything that is on sale. However, if you want the very best, reach for a pork shoulder. The shoulder tends to be a little more fatty, but that fat brings flavor. You might see it labeled as a pork butt in the meat section of your local grocer. 

How to make pulled pork sandwiches in the slow cooker:

1. Mix together the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub onto your roast and place in the slow cooker. 
2. Add one can of dark soda, about 1-2 cups, to just cover the bottom of the slow cooker. 
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is cooked and fork tender. 
4. Remove the roast from the slow cooker. Drain the fat and shred the meat. 
5. Return to the cooker and stir in the barbecue sauce. Cook one hour longer. 
6. Serve on toasted buns. 

Topping ideas for this recipe:

If you pick the right sauce, this recipe will be delicious just pork and bun. However, there are a few toppings we reach for that really help it shine. 

• Sliced Pickles
• Coleslaw
• Roasted Peppers
• Caramelized Onions

To top off how amazing this recipe is, it is even freezer friendly! That means you can make a large batch and keep it stored in the fridge for a super quick last minute dinner! Heat and serve. 

How to freeze pulled pork: 

1. Cook the recipe through shredding the meat. 
2. Allow the pork to cool slightly. 
3. Place into a gallon sized freezer safe bag that has been labeled. Freeze. 
4. When ready to eat, remove the pork from the freezer. Add to a slow cooker or saucepan. Stir in the sauce and cook until heated through.

More Pork Recipes:

• Balsamic Pork Roast
• Apple Baked Pork Chops
• Peach Basil Pork Chops
• Pulled Pork Nachos

More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
• French Dip Sandwiches 
• Slow Cooker Taco Soup
• Loaded Potato Soup
• Sloppy Joe Philly

Pin for later:

Still hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!