Root Beer Pulled Pork

This root beer pulled pork is sweet, smoky, and so tender, it melts in your mouth!

If you think root beer is only good for quenching your thirst, trust me, this recipe will change your mind.

Served in a soft bun with some cool coleslaw, this root beer pulled pork is the most stunning summer dish!

Thanks to the slow cooker, you can simply place all the ingredients in the pot and forget about it.

Seriously, this recipe is so effortless, anyone can pull it off.

And that means you’ll have more time to find the best sides and sauces for pulled pork.

Are you ready to have your mind blown? Let’s get to it.

Root Beer Pulled Pork

Root beer pulled pork is simmered in the slow cooker in root beer and barbecue sauce. The result? Ridiculously amazing flavor and texture.

You may be wondering, what’s the point of adding soda to pork? Well, it does wonders for enhancing the flavor of the meat!

Like my coca cola pulled pork, it makes it extra tender and deliciously sweet. Plus, the root beer gives the pork notes of vanilla, making it taste so delectable.

While it’s easy to make, the hard part is waiting.

Once the smell fills the kitchen, you’ll count down the minutes until it’s ready!

Ingredients

• Pork – The recipe calls for tenderloin, but you can also use pork butt or shoulder for a fattier, more tender meat.

• Root Beer – Root beer gives the pork a deeper flavor. Other types of soda work, too, such as Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and ginger ale.

• Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite! 

• Buns – Any kind of bread works! But check out my post, ‘The Best Buns for Pulled Pork Sandwiches‘ if you can’t decide.

Tips for the Best Pulled Pork

• Use other, much cheaper cuts of meat! Pick one with a higher fat content for super tender and flavorful meat, such as pork shoulder and butt.

• Get the right size piece of meat. If it’s too big, you’ll risk over-crowding the pot, which could yield a longer cooking period.

• With pulled pork, patience is key. Do not be tempted to switch the slow cooker setting to high! You’ll need the pork to simmer in the root beer and barbecue sauce for a solid 6-8 hours for the best melt-in-your-mouth consistency. 

• Flip the meat. If you want to ensure that all the meat gets soaked in root beer, flip it over halfway through.

• Try a dry rub for added flavor. A blend of chili, paprika, dry mustard, garlic and onion powders, fennel, and celery seeds should work. Rub it over the meat and let it sit for a few hours before cooking.

• Use the juices to make extra sauce. Make a delicious root beer glaze simply by reducing a bottle of root beer in a saucepan until it forms a thick syrup.

Can I Make Root Beer Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?

Truth be told, nothing matches the flavor and tenderness of slow-cooked pulled pork.

But if you’re in a pinch, you can count on the trusty Instant Pot to cook pulled pork in no time!

Here’s how:

1. Brown the meat in the Instant Pot. In normal saute mode, heat the oil for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pork and brown it for 3 minutes on each side. 

2. In a bowl, combine the root beer and half of the barbecue sauce. Pour the mixture over the pork.

3. Cover the pot and pressure cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let the pork sit for 10 minutes and switch to quick pressure release. 

4. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it cool. Then make the sauce.

5. Switch the Instant Pot setting to high saute. Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick. Add the remaining barbecue sauce to the mix.

6. Once cool, shred the meat with two forks. Place it back into the pot and toss to coat. 

What to Serve With Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is the ultimate summer picnic treat. That said, it’s best served with popular barbecue sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Mac and cheese will give your sweet and smoky pulled pork a rich, creamy, and cheesy contrast. It’s very hearty too, so it’s perfect if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.

• Potato salad is the answer to the big question: what to serve with pulled pork. You can’t go wrong with the flavor contrast of rich and creamy + sweet and smoky!

• Any basic salad. Load it with your favorite summer fruits to make it extra sweet and refreshing!

• Coleslaw is a great option, too. Apart from the creaminess and the crunch, I love the cool contrast it gives the hot pork and buns. You can either serve it on the side or in the buns. 

What Kind Of Buns Are Best?

Regular bread or hamburger buns work, but if you want to elevate your meal, use brioche sandwich rolls.

They’re soft, moist, and can hold the juices of the pulled pork without breaking apart.

Whatever bread or bun you use, the most important part is to toast it slightly to get that wonderful golden crisp exterior. Yum. 

More Tasty Pork Recipes

Pork Cutlets
City Chicken
Stuffed Pork Chops
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork