Smoky Fall-Apart Pulled Pork Recipe for BBQ Lovers

Smoky, tender pulled pork can transform an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering feast.

Succulent meat falls apart with gentle prodding, promising incredible flavor in every bite.

Slow-cooking methods unlock deep, rich tastes that dance across your palate.

Southern barbecue traditions inspire this classic comfort dish that brings people together.

Regional spice blends and carefully selected ingredients create a remarkable experience.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned meat becomes the star of any gathering.

You'll want to bookmark this recipe and start cooking right now.

FAQ Guide For James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe

• Why use coke in pulled pork recipe?

Coke helps tenderize the meat, adds subtle sweetness, and creates a rich flavor while keeping the pork moist during slow cooking.

• Can I use a different liquid instead of coke?

Yes, you can substitute coke with root beer, Dr. Pepper, or chicken broth, which will still help keep the meat tender and add unique flavor profiles.

• What type of pork cut works best for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal because it has enough fat content to become incredibly tender and juicy when slow-cooked.

• How do I know when the pulled pork is perfectly cooked?

The meat should easily shred with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 195-205 degrees F, indicating it’s tender and ready to pull apart.

Why James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe Is Packed With Flavor

• Flexible Cooking Methods: Enjoy the freedom of preparing pulled pork through multiple techniques like oven, slow cooker, or instant pot, making it adaptable to your kitchen equipment and schedule.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Simplify your cooking with basic ingredients like pork, spices, and coke, reducing grocery shopping stress and keeping preparation straightforward.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Transform this tender pulled pork into various dishes like sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or salads, ensuring it suits different tastes and meal preferences.
• Prep-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the meat overnight or prepare in advance, allowing for convenient meal planning and reducing day-of cooking stress for busy households.

Ingredients For James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: A tender cut of meat perfect for slow cooking and creating succulent pulled pork.

• Coca-Cola: Provides moisture and helps tenderize the meat while adding a subtle sweet flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A classic seasoning mix that enhances the natural flavor of the pork and creates a delicious outer crust.

• Barbecue Sauce: Adds extra flavor and moisture to the pulled pork for serving.

• Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil: Used for searing the meat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior before slow cooking.

Steps To Prepare James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe

Step 1: Prepare The Pork

Grab your pork and slice it into four even chunks. Trim away any excess fat to ensure a lean and delicious result. Use a sharp knife and work carefully on a clean cutting board.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Spice Blend

Mix together your favorite spices in a small bowl. Generously massage the spice mixture all over the pork pieces. For maximum flavor, consider doing this preparation the evening before cooking.

Step 3: Optional Searing Technique

Heat a Dutch oven with a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Gently place the seasoned pork pieces into the pot. Brown each side quickly to lock in rich, deep flavors. This step enhances the meat’s overall taste profile.

Step 4: Oven Roasting Method

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork in the Dutch oven and pour coca-cola around the meat. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and roast for three hours. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional one to two hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart with a fork.

Step 5: Slow Cooker Alternative

Transfer the seasoned pork into a slow cooker. Pour coca-cola around the meat. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 hours or HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours. The goal is achieving melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step 6: Instant Pot Express Version

Place the pork inside the Instant Pot and surround with coca-cola. Set the pressure to high and cook for 70 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for an additional 15 minutes after cooking completes.

Step 7: Shredding And Serving

Remove the cooked pork and use two forks to pull the meat apart into delicate strands. For extra flavor, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve hot on sandwiches, tacos, or alongside classic sides.

Tips For Juicy James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe

• Rub spices on pork the night before cooking to allow deeper flavor penetration and more intense seasoning.
• Remove excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness and create leaner pulled pork.
• Optional browning step helps develop rich caramelized exterior and locks in additional flavor before slow cooking.
• Use two forks to pull meat apart when it's tender, ensuring consistent texture and even sauce distribution.
• Coca-Cola acts as a tenderizing agent, breaking down meat fibers and adding subtle sweetness to the pulled pork.

Different Takes On James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe

• Coca-Cola BBQ Pulled Pork: Replace regular coke with diet coke or root beer for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork: Add chipotle powder, cumin, and chili powder to the spice rub for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Lean Version: Use pork tenderloin instead of traditional pork shoulder and swap regular spices for gluten-free seasoning blend.
• Keto-Friendly Carnitas Style: Use sugar-free soda, reduce cooking liquid, and serve with cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas instead of traditional buns.

What To Serve With James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe

• Savor Pulled Pork Flavor Companions
• Pair Zesty Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy cabbage salad cuts through the rich, fatty pork with refreshing crunch and balances the meat's deep flavors.
• Complement with Amber Ale: Craft beer's malty sweetness and subtle hop bitterness perfectly match the smoky, tender pulled pork and enhance its robust taste.
• Serve with Southern Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread absorbs the juicy meat's sauce, creating a classic comfort food combination that feels like a warm Southern hug.
• Boost with Pickled Vegetables: Acidic, vinegary pickles provide a sharp contrast to the tender meat, cleansing the palate and adding bright, zingy notes to each bite.

How To Store James Martin Pulled Pork Recipe The Easy Way

• Seal pulled pork in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the meat moist by adding a splash of leftover cooking liquid before sealing.
• Pack pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of liquid (broth or cooking juice), and cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes – 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pulled pork is slow-cooked until it falls apart, seasoned with smoky spices for a dish that’s great on sandwiches, rice, or straight from the pan.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) pork shoulder or pork butt

Dry Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil (optional for searing)
• 12 ounces (355 milliliters) coke (not diet)
• bbq sauce for coating meat (optional)

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Instructions

1. Trim the pork, removing excess fat and cutting into manageable pieces for even cooking.
2. Create a robust spice blend and thoroughly massage into the meat, allowing flavors to penetrate. Optional: refrigerate overnight for deeper seasoning.
3. For enhanced flavor development, quickly sear meat in a hot Dutch oven with a thin layer of oil, browning each side until golden and caramelized.
4. Place the seared meat back into the pot and pour in enough Coca-Cola to cover it.
5. For oven method, preheat to 300°F. Cover pot with tight-fitting lid and roast for approximately 3 hours, maintaining consistent low temperature.
6. Uncover for the last 1–2 hours so the surface develops a deeper, caramelized finish.
7. Once cooked, carefully extract meat from cooking liquid and allow brief resting period before shredding.
8. Optionally drizzle it with your favorite barbecue sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
9. Alternative cooking methods include slow cooker (8 hours on low) or instant pot (70 minutes high pressure with 15-minute natural release) which yield equally succulent results.

Notes

• Trimming the fat helps reduce greasiness and allows spices to penetrate the meat more effectively.
• Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor profile and ensures deeper seasoning throughout the pork.
• Searing is optional but recommended for building a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances the overall taste and texture.
• Cooking low and slow breaks down tough muscle fibers, creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.
• For a leaner version, choose pork loin instead of shoulder and trim excess fat before cooking.
• Gluten-free diets can enjoy this recipe by using a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days or frozen for future meals.

• Prep Time: 30–40 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 376 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 421 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg