Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with the most incredible pork shoulder recipe that'll have your taste buds dancing! Imagine tender, fall-apart meat infused with the perfect balance of sweet Cherry Coke and tangy barbecue sauce - this isn't just a recipe, it's a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a flavor enthusiast seeking something unique, this Cherry Coke Pork Shoulder is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder
- 1 can Cherry Coke
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Remove pork shoulder from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and black pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker or large braising pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the Cherry Coke over the pork shoulder, adding the sautéed onions and garlic around the meat.
- Add barbecue sauce, stirring to combine the liquid ingredients and distribute evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker or pot and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the pork shoulder and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
- Strain the cooking liquid and skim off excess fat. Optional: Reduce the liquid in a saucepan to create a thicker sauce.
- Serve the shredded pork with the reduced sauce, and optionally on sandwiches, tacos, or with side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your pork shoulder come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating and maximum tenderness.
- Searing is Crucial: Take time to create a golden-brown crust on the meat - this locks in flavors and creates an incredible texture.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low heat for 6 hours breaks down tough muscle fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Fat Skimming Tip: After cooking, strain the liquid and remove excess fat for a cleaner, more refined sauce.
- Versatility is Key: This recipe works great for sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone main dish - get creative with your serving!
- Optional Sauce Reduction: If you want an even more concentrated flavor, reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan to create a rich, glossy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
