Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a staple of American barbecue, especially popular in the Southern United States. Traditionally, it involves slow-cooking pork shoulder until it becomes tender enough to be easily "pulled" into shreds. The history of barbecue in the United States is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions brought by European settlers and African slaves, who combined their techniques with local ingredients. Pulled pork specifically has a long history, with variations existing in different regions, each boasting its unique flavor profiles and cooking methods.

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Root beer pulled pork is a relatively modern twist on this classic dish. The use of root beer as a cooking ingredient can be traced back to creative home cooks and chefs experimenting with the sweet and spiced flavors of the soda. Root beer, a beverage with origins in the Native American tradition of brewing sassafras roots, gained popularity in the 19th century and became a commercial hit in the early 20th century. The unique flavor of root beer complements the savory taste of pork, adding a sweet and slightly tangy dimension to the dish.

The slow cooker, or crockpot, became a household appliance in the 1970s, revolutionizing the way families prepared meals. It allowed for the long, slow cooking process necessary for tender pulled pork without the need for constant supervision. Combining the convenience of the slow cooker with the inventive use of root beer led to the creation of Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork, a dish that marries tradition with innovation.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

1 can (12 ounces) root beer

1 bottle (18 ounces) barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)

1 large onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Hamburger buns or rolls for serving

Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

Procedure

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours

Total Time: 6 to 8 hours and 10 minutes

Steps

Prepare the Pork Shoulder:

Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Arrange Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

Place the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker (if using).

Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.

Add Root Beer:

Pour the root beer over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Slow Cook the Pork:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The pork should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.

Shred the Pork:

Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board.

Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.

Prepare the Sauce:

Discard the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving the onions if used.

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.

Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork and mix until the pork is well coated.

Heat Through:

Set the slow cooker to low and let the pork heat through for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

Serve the root beer pulled pork on hamburger buns or rolls.

Top with coleslaw if desired, adding a crunchy, tangy contrast to the sweet and savory pork.

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