What is Pulled Pork – Cola Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce

Pulled pork refers to a piece of pork butt or shoulder that is cooked in a small amount of liquid, slowly and for a long time, and then pulled apart. It is usually served in a sandwich bun with barbecue or mustard sauce.

This recipe can be made in a Dutch oven braising pan or a Crock-pot. The pork needs to cook very slowly in order to be juicy and tender. You can add any kind of BBQ sauce to this once you have taken it apart. However, I added a spicy mustard bbq sauce that really complements it beautifully. Here is what you need to do for this:

Makes 8 sandwiches

1 – 2.5 pound pork shoulder
2 TBS oil
6 garlic cloves – peeled and smashed
1 tsp. salt
8 sandwich rolls
1 cup Cole-Slaw
8 pickle slices

FOR THE RUB:
1 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. dried thyme
½ TBS brown sugar
½ TBS salt
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Rub the pork on all sides and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.

FOR THE BRAISING LIQUID:
1 cup cola
1 cup dark beer – any kind you want
½ cup apple juice or apple cider
½ cup apple cider vinegar

Mix all the liquids together and set aside.

FOR THE PORK:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or other oven proof pan. Add the pork and brown evenly on all sides. Be careful with splatters. Remove and set aside. Discard all but 2 TBS of rendered fat.

Add the liquid to the pan and scrape the brown bits from the bottom. Return the pork to the pot and add the garlic and the salt.
Bring the liquid to a boil. Cover the pan and place it in the oven. Braise the pork for 2 hours. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the meat. Add some more liquid if necessary. Cook for an additional 2 to 4 hours – until pork in tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

Remove pork from the pan and allow it to cool down. Pull it and place it in a large skillet. Add your bbq sauce of choice, mix to coat well and heat through. Serve in a roll with Cole-slaw and a pickle slice. Enjoy!

If using a Crock-Pot, add the browned pork to the slow cooker. Add the liquid, garlic and salt. Cook on high for 8 hours.