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Tender Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sliders

slow cooker dr pepper pulled pork sliders - featured image
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This easy slow cooker recipe uses Dr Pepper soda to tenderize and flavor pork shoulder, creating melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork sliders perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 12 ounces Dr Pepper soda (one standard can)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 12 small slider buns
  • Optional: coleslaw for topping

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the pork evenly. This step takes about 10 minutes.
  2. Slice the onion and spread it evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Mince the garlic and sprinkle on top.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Dr Pepper over the pork. Add the apple cider vinegar. This takes 5 minutes.
  4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low for 6 to 8 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid to avoid heat loss.
  5. After 6 hours, check if the pork pulls apart easily with two forks. If not, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes until tender.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large platter or bowl. Using forks or meat claws, shred the meat thoroughly. Discard any large fat pieces. Stir some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded pork for extra moistness and flavor if desired.
  7. Toast slider buns lightly, then pile generous portions of pulled pork on each. Top with coleslaw if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. Save leftover cooking liquid and reduce it for a flavorful BBQ sauce drizzle. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, avoid creamy toppings or use dairy-free slaw dressings. Toast buns just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, Dr Pepper, sliders, party food, easy recipe, pork shoulder, comfort food

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/tender-slow-cooker-dr-pepper-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/