Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary can of Coca Cola into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Coca Cola Pork Barbecue is not just another recipe – it's a game-changing approach to slow-cooked perfection that combines the unexpected sweetness of soda with rich, tender pork. Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast or just looking to impress at your next gathering, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create a meal that's both incredibly simple and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 can Coca Cola
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 pounds of pork shoulder, 1 can of Coca Cola, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help tenderize the pork shoulder and infuse it with flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Coca Cola, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Place the pork shoulder in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Pour the Coca Cola mixture over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated. If desired, you can also marinate the pork in this mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Cover the roasting pan or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture during cooking.
- Transfer the covered pan to the preheated oven and let it cook for about 2 hours. The low temperature will allow the pork to become tender and juicy.
- After 2 hours, check the pork shoulder for tenderness. It should be easily shredded with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, checking periodically.
- Once the pork is tender, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more flavorful.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Mix the shredded pork with the remaining sauce in the pan for added flavor.
- Serve the Coca Cola pork barbecue on hamburger buns, in tacos, or over rice. Garnish with additional barbecue sauce if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal for this recipe due to its high fat content, which ensures tender, juicy meat.
- Marinating Magic: For maximum flavor, let the pork marinate in the Coca Cola mixture for 4-8 hours or overnight before cooking.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to increase the temperature. The low 300°F cooking method is crucial for breaking down tough muscle fibers.
- Sauce Secrets: Save some extra barbecue sauce for serving. A fresh drizzle can brighten up the final dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or large gatherings.
- Versatility is Key: Don't limit yourself! This pulled pork works wonderfully in sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Moisture Matters: Always keep the meat covered while cooking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 125mg
