Alright, folks, let me introduce you to a little slice of magic: Root Beer Pulled Pork. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Root beer? In my pulled pork?” But trust me, that sweet, sizzly drink works wonders with the savory pork. It’s the kinda meal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, cozy hug. If you’re looking to spice up your dinner rotation with something that’ll wow the fam without making you break a sweat, keep this baby in your back pocket. Your tastebuds are gonna thank you!

So, picture this: a lazy Saturday, the whole house smells like sweet and tangy barbecued dreams thanks to this masterpiece. My husband’s been raving about it since that one chaotic weekend where I threw together what we had in the pantry. Little did we know it would become one of our go-to comforts. It’s gotten to the point where my family now gives me puppy eyes at the mere mention of pork. (P.S. You can thank my pantry rummaging skills for this one!)

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes every week. Yes please!

🧡

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Root Beer Pulled Pork

Oh man, there are so many reasons to fall for this dish! First off, it’s dead simple. If you can dump stuff into a pot and walk away, you’re golden. Secondly, there’s something so quirky and fun about using a soda to transform meat into a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Lastly, it’s the best way to fake gourmet when you’ve barely got the energy to mess with fancier recipes. Plus, the leftovers? Legendary.

How to Make It

Alright, grab your biggest pot. Chuck that pork in there like a boss. Next, crack open your root beer — bonus points if it’s frosty — and pour it over the pork. Don’t freak out; it’ll look a little weird, but trust the process. Add your fave BBQ sauce. You know, the one with all the sticky goodness. Then you just let it simmer on low, which is the fancy term for ‘leave it alone to do its thing’ while you catch up on a show or three. Come back, shred that pork like you’re a pro. And ta-da, you’re done! Just go with the flooow!

Ingredient Notes

– Root Beer: This ain’t just any soda, folks. It adds all that caramel-y goodness. Don’t try this with cola — you won’t get that magic.
– Pork Shoulder: The star of our show. This tough but tender guy breaks down like a dream when cooked low and slow.
– BBQ Sauce: My heart says use homemade, but my reality screams for store-bought, and that’s okay! Just grab a bottle you love.

Recipe Steps:

1. Place the pork shoulder in a large pot.
2. Pour root beer over the pork.
3. Add your favorite BBQ sauce.
4. Simmer on low heat for several hours until the pork shreds easily.
5. Shred the pork using two forks.
6. Serve with extra sauce on top.

What to Serve It With

Slip it into some soft buns for killer sandwiches, or serve it alongside coleslaw to cut through the sweetness. You can even pop it over a bed of rice if you’re feeling extra fancy. Honestly, this goes with just about anything.

Tips & Mistakes

Okay, so pay attention to the cooking time. This needs its time to work its magic. If you rush it, you’ll get chewy pork—and nobody wants that. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good BBQ sauce!

Storage Tips

Stick the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Believe me, cold pulled pork sandwiches for breakfast are a thing of beauty. Heat it up, or heck, just dive in with a fork as a midnight snack. No judgment here.

Variations and Substitutions

You can totally play around with this. No root beer? Try ginger ale for a twist! Out of BBQ sauce? Raid your fridge for ketchup and mix some spices into it. Or skip it altogether and pretend you’re a rustic legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Totally. Just switch the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. I’ve done it more times than I can count. Still tastes bomb.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first? Asking for a friend.

Yeah… definitely peel it. Unless you’re into chewing bark. It’s not fun, trust me.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Been there, done that. Just drain it like your life depends on it. Still good, just not *as* wow.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down a bit?

You totally can. Cut the sugar a little or swap in honey or maple syrup. I’ve done both when I ran out of brown sugar.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Honestly? It’s fine. You’ll lose that toasted vibe, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Still delicious.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!