Savory Root Beer Pulled Pork Delight
This Savory Root Beer Pulled Pork Delight recipe offers a delicious and simple way to enjoy succulent, tender pulled pork with the unique twist of root beer. Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings, this dish not only fills your plate but also your heart with warmth and flavor. Whether served on a bun or over rice, this versatile dish is an instant favorite. With minimal prep time and the ease of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a wholesome meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings everyone together. Share it at your next barbecue, parties, or simply enjoy it for a cozy night in!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Root beer
12 ounces (regular or diet, as per preference)
Barbecue sauce
1 cup (your favorite brand or homemade)
Salt
1 teaspoon (kosher preferred)
Ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground for best flavor)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely trimming the pork tenderloin to remove any excess fat for a healthier option.
2
In a large resealable freezer bag, combine the trimmed pork tenderloin, root beer, barbecue sauce, salt, and ground pepper. Seal the bag and mix well to coat the pork evenly.
3
Label the freezer bag with the date and contents, then place in the freezer until you're ready to use it.
4
When you're ready to make the dish, remove the bag from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
5
Once thawed, transfer the contents of the bag to your crockpot. Cover and set to low heat.
6
Cook for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
7
After cooking, remove the pork from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the sauce in the crockpot, stirring well to combine.
8
Serve warm on buns, over rice, or with your choice of sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Root Beer Pulled Pork Delight?
It is a tender and succulent pulled pork dish made by slow-cooking pork tenderloin with root beer and barbecue sauce for a unique flavor profile.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
This specific recipe calls for 2 lbs of pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat, which provides a leaner and healthier option.
Why do you use root beer in pulled pork?
Root beer acts as both a tenderizer for the meat and a sweetener that creates a deep, complex flavor when combined with barbecue sauce.
Can I use diet root beer instead of regular?
Yes, you can use either regular or diet root beer based on your personal dietary preferences.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until it is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
Can I freeze this recipe before cooking?
Yes, this recipe is designed for meal prep. You can combine the pork, root beer, and sauce in a freezer bag and store it until ready to use.
How do I thaw the pork if I have frozen it?
For best results, remove the freezer bag from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before putting it in the crockpot.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or weekly meal prep.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
You can use one cup of your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade barbecue sauce.
Is this pulled pork recipe healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy recipe because it uses pork tenderloin and involves trimming excess fat before cooking.
How do I shred the pork?
After the pork is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
What should I serve with Root Beer Pulled Pork?
It is delicious served on buns, over a bed of rice, or alongside traditional barbecue sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob.
Should I cook the pork on high or low heat?
The instructions recommend cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours to ensure the meat becomes tender and succulent.
Do I need to add water to the crockpot?
No, the 12 ounces of root beer and 1 cup of barbecue sauce provide enough liquid for the slow cooking process.
Can I use pork shoulder instead of tenderloin?
While this recipe specifies tenderloin for a healthier profile, you can use pork shoulder, though it will have a higher fat content.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt (kosher preferred) and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Is this a good recipe for a barbecue?
Absolutely, its easy preparation and large serving size make it perfect for parties and summer barbecues.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I add other spices to the mix?
While the recipe is savory as is, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
What is the best way to label the freezer bag?
Use a permanent marker to write the name of the recipe and the date it was prepared on the outside of the bag.
Does the flavor of the root beer remain strong?
The root beer flavor mellows significantly during cooking, leaving behind a subtle sweetness and richness rather than a strong soda taste.
Can I make this if I don't have a freezer bag?
Yes, you can skip the freezing step and place the trimmed pork and ingredients directly into the crockpot to cook immediately.
How do I make the pork extra saucy?
Once shredded, stir the pork back into the juices and sauce in the crockpot to allow the meat to soak up all the extra flavor.
Is it necessary to trim the fat from the pork tenderloin?
Trimming the fat is recommended for a healthier option and to ensure the texture of the pulled pork is consistent.
Can I use a different soda like Dr. Pepper?
Yes, other dark sodas like Dr. Pepper or Cola can be used as substitutes, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients if your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate 4 lbs of meat and the extra liquid.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This depends on the brand of barbecue sauce and root beer you choose; ensure you check the labels if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the sweet and savory combination is typically very popular with children.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the slow cooker setting on an Instant Pot, or pressure cook it for about 45-60 minutes with a natural release.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Adding sliced onions or bell peppers to the crockpot along with the pork can add extra texture and nutrition to the dish.