1-First, start by trimming excess fat from the pork and cutting it into 4 pieces for even cooking. This helps the flavors penetrate deeply and makes shredding simpler later. Once prepped, combine the spices in a bowl and rub them all over the pork for that essential flavor base.

2-Moving on, you can sear the pork if you want extra taste. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven and brown the meat quickly on all sides. For the oven method, preheat to 300 degrees F, add the cola around the pork, cover, and cook for 3 hours before uncovering for another 1-2 hours until it’s tender.

3-If you prefer a hands-off approach, the slow cooker method is ideal. Place the pork in the cooker, pour in the cola, cover, and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This works great for busy parents who can start it in the morning and return to a ready meal.

4-After cooking, shred the pork and mix in barbecue sauce if desired. This step-by-step approach ensures your pulled pork is always perfect, with tips for adapting to different diets along the way.

5-Once shredded, let the meat rest a bit to absorb flavors. Serve it hot in sandwiches or tacos, adjusting for dietary needs like vegan sides. For more dessert ideas to pair with your meal, check out our berry trifle recipe for a refreshing finish.