3-Ingredient Coca-Cola BBQ Pulled Pork

Name: Coca-Cola BBQ Pulled Pork
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 485 min
Ingredients: 4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt); 1 12 oz can Coca-Cola (not diet); 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Written by Sarah Gardner

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Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest, and this 3-Ingredient Coca-Cola BBQ Pulled Pork is proof of that. With just a pork shoulder, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a can of Coca-Cola, you get unbelievably tender, juicy, and flavor-packed pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth. The soda works as a secret weapon, tenderizing the meat while adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances out the smoky BBQ flavors. Best part? It all comes together with minimal effort—your slow cooker does all the work!

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Coca-Cola BBQ Pulled Pork

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 5

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Forks for shredding
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder also called pork butt
1 12 oz can Coca-Cola (not diet)
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand

Instructions

Prep the pork

Place the pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Pour the entire can of Coca-Cola over the meat.
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Slow cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours) until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.

Shred the meat

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it.

Mix in BBQ sauce

Discard excess liquid, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in the BBQ sauce and let it warm for 10–15 minutes before serving.
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Serve and enjoy!

Load it onto buns for sandwiches, stuff it into tacos, or pile it over rice.

What to Serve with Coca-Cola Pulled Pork

Classic: Soft sandwich buns with coleslaw
Southern-Style: Cornbread and baked beans
Tex-Mex Twist: Stuff into tortillas with pickled onions
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice

FAQs

1. Can I use a different soda?

Yes! Dr. Pepper or root beer work great for a slightly different flavor profile.

2. What’s the best cut of pork to use?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal because it has enough fat to stay juicy and tender during slow cooking.

3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a natural release for 15 minutes.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.