How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Root Beer Pulled Pork
American · Easy · 490 min · 8 servings
This 3 ingredient root beer pulled pork transforms a simple pork shoulder into a tender, flavorful feast with minimal effort. Root beer and BBQ sauce create a sweet, smoky glaze that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Root Beer Pulled Pork recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 490 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder
- 12 oz root beer
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder generously with salt on all sides. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Slow Cook with Root Beer
Pour the root beer over the seared pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is completely tender and falling apart.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce
Remove the pork and discard the cooking liquid. Shred the pork with two forks, removing any bones or excess fat. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, add BBQ sauce, stir to coat, and cook on low for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- root beer → cola or ginger ale for a slightly different sweet flavor
- pork shoulder → pork butt or boneless pork loin for a leaner option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the sear step which adds important depth of flavor to the final dish
- Not discarding the cooking liquid before adding BBQ sauce which leads to a watery, bland pulled pork
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 34g protein, 18g carbs, 16g fat, 0g fiber.
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