Savory Coca-Cola Pulled Pork with Rich Gravy
Elevate your dinner table with this delectable Savory Coca-Cola Pulled Pork. This twist on traditional cola recipes features a succulent boneless pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection in a rich mix of onion soup and Coca-Cola. The gentle simmering in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating tender meat that falls apart with a fork and a gravy that's nothing short of extraordinary. Serve this mouthwatering dish over mashed potatoes or with your favorite bread to soak up the luscious gravy. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal, this pulled pork will surely become a favorite on your menu!
8
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Shoulder
3-4 lbs (Trim excess fat, leave whole)
Onion Soup Mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (Ready to use)
Coca-Cola Classic
1 cup (Ready to use)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Kitchen Bouquet
a dash (For color and depth)
Cornstarch
1-2 tablespoons (Mixed with water to make a slurry)
Instructions
1
1. Season the boneless pork shoulder with salt and pepper all over, ensuring an even coating.
2
2. Place the seasoned roast into the crockpot, making sure it lies flat at the bottom.
3
3. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the roast, allowing it to form an even layer.
4
4. Pour the Coca-Cola Classic over the roast, ensuring it's well-coated.
5
5. Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
6
6. Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the crockpot and place it on a serving platter, shredding it with two forks if desired.
7
7. Strain the juices from the crockpot into a saucepan, discarding any solids and skimming off excess fat from the surface.
8
8. Add salt and pepper to the strained juices to taste, along with a dash of Kitchen Bouquet for added flavor and color.
9
9. Bring the juice mixture to a boil over medium heat.
10
10. In a small bowl, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with equal parts water to create a slurry.
11
11. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling juices, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
12
12. Serve the pulled pork with the freshly made gravy drizzled on top, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
11g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Coca-Cola Pulled Pork?
It is a succulent boneless pork shoulder slow-cooked in a crockpot with onion soup mix and Coca-Cola, resulting in tender meat and a rich, savory gravy.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses 3-4 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, which is ideal for slow cooking and easy shredding.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This Savory Coca-Cola Pulled Pork recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
How long does it take to cook in a crockpot?
You can cook the pork on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
Do I need to sear the pork before putting it in the crockpot?
No, the instructions specify to season the roast and place it directly into the crockpot without a pre-searing step.
What type of soda should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Coca-Cola Classic for the best flavor profile and meat tenderization.
How do I make the gravy for the pulled pork?
Strain the juices from the crockpot into a saucepan, add Kitchen Bouquet, bring to a boil, and stir in a cornstarch slurry until thickened.
What is Kitchen Bouquet and why is it used?
Kitchen Bouquet is a browning and seasoning sauce used to add a deeper color and extra depth of flavor to the gravy.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with equal parts water to create a slurry, then gradually add it to the boiling juices.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 32.5g of protein, 23g of fat, and 11g of carbohydrates.
Should the pork be shredded or left whole?
After cooking, you can remove the roast and shred it with two forks before serving with the gravy.
What should I serve with Coca-Cola Pulled Pork?
It is highly recommended to serve this dish over mashed potatoes or with your favorite bread to enjoy the rich gravy.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder before cooking?
Trim any excess fat from the 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder and season it all over with salt and pepper.
Can I use different seasonings?
The recipe primarily uses salt, pepper, and a 1.25-ounce package of onion soup mix for seasoning.
What do I do with the solids from the crockpot?
When making the gravy, the instructions recommend straining the juices and discarding any solids for a smooth consistency.
How do I handle the fat in the cooking liquid?
After straining the juices, skim off any excess fat from the surface before boiling and thickening the gravy.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with 32.5g of protein per serving, it is a very protein-rich meal option.
Do I need to add water to the crockpot?
No, the 1 cup of Coca-Cola and the natural juices from the pork provide enough liquid for the cooking process.
What size onion soup mix package is needed?
The recipe calls for one 1 1/4 ounce (1.25 oz) package of onion soup mix.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe makes 8 servings and the meat stays tender, making it great for leftovers or planned meals.
What makes the gravy 'rich'?
The richness comes from the combination of pork juices, onion soup mix, Coca-Cola, and the thickening process with cornstarch and Kitchen Bouquet.
How is the meat seasoned before cooking?
The boneless pork shoulder is seasoned with salt and pepper, followed by a layer of onion soup mix sprinkled on top.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe uses Coca-Cola Classic, which contains sugar, though the exact nutritional grams for sugar were not specified.
Can I make this on a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is perfect for a weeknight because you can set it in the crockpot in the morning and have it ready for dinner.
What is the texture of the pork?
The pork becomes incredibly tender, falling apart easily with a fork after the slow-cooking process.
How much Coca-Cola do I need?
You only need 1 cup of Coca-Cola Classic to pour over the 3-4 lb roast.
Do I need to stir the crockpot while cooking?
No, you simply cover it with a lid and let it cook undisturbed for the duration of the time.
How do I ensure an even coating of seasoning?
The instructions advise seasoning the roast 'all over' and ensuring the onion soup mix forms an even layer on top.
Can I use cornstarch directly in the gravy?
It is best to mix it with water first to create a slurry to prevent clumps when adding it to the hot juices.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Absolutely, the combination of tender pulled pork and savory gravy makes it a classic comfort food dish.