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Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork Recipe

Slow-cooked Dr Pepper pork brings together tender meat and a sweet, savory glaze that’s seriously hard to resist!

This recipe leans on the soda to break down the pork into melt-in-your-mouth bites while adding just a hint of sweetness.

My favorite part is how the pork becomes infused with the spices and caramel-like notes from the cooking liquid.

If you like a little heat, stir in some chili flakes or hot sauce at the end for a subtle kick.

I recommend letting the shredded pork rest for five minutes in its juices to soak up extra moisture before serving.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork

pioneer woman dr pepper pork recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large Onion (quartered)
  • 4 lb Pork shoulder
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cans Dr Pepper (12 oz each)
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 300°F.

Then, peel and quarter the onion, and place it at the bottom of a large Dutch oven.

Step 2:

Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper on all sides.

Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions in the Dutch oven.

Step 3:

Pour the can of chipotle peppers over the pork, ensuring the sauce covers the meat evenly.

Next, pour both cans of Dr Pepper into the pot.

Step 4:

Add the brown sugar to the mixture in the pot, stirring gently to combine with the liquid.

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid.

Step 5:

Place the pot in your preheated oven and cook for about 6 hours or until the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded.

You can enjoy it in various styles!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

pioneer woman dr pepper pork sandwich

Choose the Right Cut:

For this recipe, a pork shoulder or butt cut is perfect because they break down beautifully over slow cooking.

You want pieces that have some fat marbling for best flavor and tenderness.

Handling Chipotle Heat:

If you’re not a fan of too much heat, consider removing some of the seeds from the chipotle peppers.

They pack a fiery punch and can be adjusted based on your personal preference.

Slow Cooker Option:

Turn this into a slow cooker recipe by cooking on low for about 8 hours if you don’t have a Dutch oven available.

Just follow the same layering steps and enjoy!

Shred Easily:

Once cooked, use two forks to pull apart the pork effortlessly while it’s still warm.

It should fall apart easily after the long slow cook in the Dr Pepper marinade.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork Recipe

Coleslaw

You can’t go wrong with a classic coleslaw to accompany your Dr Pepper pork recipe.

The creamy texture and crunchy veggies provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy and savory flavors of the pork.

Make it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing for extra zest.

Cornbread

Cornbread is another traditional side that pairs perfectly and adds a touch of sweetness to your meal.

You can serve it warm out of the oven, and it does a great job soaking up all those delicious juices from the pork.

A little butter on top, and you’re set for a fantastic combination!

Sweet Potato Fries

For something a little different, sweet potato fries are an excellent choice.

Their natural sweetness complements the spices and richness of the pork, and they add a fun, crispy texture to the plate.

Bake them until they’re golden brown, and sprinkle a little salt and pepper before serving.

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple offers an unexpected but delightful burst of flavor alongside your dish.

The caramelized sugars bring out a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy notes of the pork.

Just grill some fresh pineapple slices until they’re lightly charred and juicy.

Pickled Red Onions

Adding pickled red onions to your meal introduces a tangy and vibrant contrast that’s both delicious and intriguing.

Their sharpness cuts through the richness of the pork and adds a pop of color to your plate.

You can make them easily with some vinegar, sugar, and spices. Bon appétit!

Variations and Substitutions

Different Soda Options

You can swap regular Dr Pepper with Diet Dr Pepper for a lighter option!

Some people even use other sodas like Root Beer, Coke, or Pepsi to change up the flavor profile a bit.

Experiment and see which one you like best!

Spice Level Adjustments

You might decide to reduce the number of chipotle peppers if you’re not too keen on the heat aspect in this dish.

If you’re a fan of spicy foods, go ahead and add an extra can of chipotle peppers for an exciting twist.

Sauce Choices

Consider trying out various barbecue sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you have a favorite store-bought brand or a homemade recipe, different sauces can enhance the dish in delightful new ways.

Alternative Ingredients

Don’t hesitate to use garlic powder along with fresh onions to infuse more flavor into your pork.

Experiment with adding some fresh herbs or spices if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork Recipe

Keeping your leftover Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper pork fresh is key to enjoying its amazing flavors again!

First, allow the pork to cool to room temperature before storing it.

This prevents moisture accumulation that can happen if it’s too warm.

Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent any odor transfer in your fridge.

Divide the pork into smaller portions so you can easily enjoy just the amount you need later.

Refrigeration

Your leftover pork will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Label the containers with dates, so you won’t forget when it’s time to enjoy another serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is a fantastic option!

Portion the pork into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion.

Your pork can be frozen for up to three months without losing its flavor.

Thawing Suggestions

When you’re ready to savor your pork again, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight.

This method preserves the texture and tastes much better than more rapid thawing methods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to Trim the Fat

One mistake I’ve seen is not trimming enough fat from the pork.

You’ll want to avoid leaving too much, or it can become greasy during cooking.

Aim to leave a thin layer for flavor without overwhelming your dish.

Skipping the Brown Sugar

Another common error is skipping the brown sugar.

The sugar helps balance the spice and sweetness of the Dr Pepper.

Without it, your pork may lack that signature flavor profile you’re aiming for.

Cooking at the Wrong Temperature

Cooking at the wrong temperature can result in tough or dry pork.

Ensure your oven or slow cooker is at the correct setting for the best results.

Low and slow is usually the key for tender, juicy pork.

pioneer woman dr pepper pork recipe

Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork Recipe

Slow-cooked Dr Pepper pork brings together tender meat and a sweet, savory glaze that’s seriously hard to resist!
This recipe leans on the soda to break down the pork into melt-in-your-mouth bites while adding just a hint of sweetness.
My favorite part is how the pork becomes infused with the spices and caramel-like notes from the cooking liquid.
If you like a little heat, stir in some chili flakes or hot sauce at the end for a subtle kick.
I recommend letting the shredded pork rest for five minutes in its juices to soak up extra moisture before serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Course Main Course
Servings 8
Ingredients
  
  • 1 large Onion quartered
  • 4 lb Pork shoulder
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cans Dr Pepper 12 oz each
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 300°F.
  • Then, peel and quarter the onion, and place it at the bottom of a large Dutch oven.
  • Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions in the Dutch oven.
  • Pour the can of chipotle peppers over the pork, ensuring the sauce covers the meat evenly.
  • Next, pour both cans of Dr Pepper into the pot.
  • Add the brown sugar to the mixture in the pot, stirring gently to combine with the liquid.
  • Cover the Dutch oven with its lid.
  • Place the pot in your preheated oven and cook for about 6 hours or until the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded.
  • You can enjoy it in various styles!

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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