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Tender Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Recipe with Crispy Onion Topping

slow cooker root beer pulled pork - featured image
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This slow cooker pulled pork recipe uses root beer to create a tender, flavorful dish with a unique caramelized sweetness, topped with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for easy, comforting dinners with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 12 oz (355 ml) root beer (e.g., Barq’s or A&W)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
  3. Coat the pork shoulder evenly with the dry rub, pressing it into all sides.
  4. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions. Pour root beer and yellow mustard over the pork.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fall-apart tender.
  7. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks, discarding large pieces of fat.
  8. Optional: Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened into a glaze.
  9. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker or a large bowl and mix with the reduced sauce.
  10. Just before serving, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the pulled pork.

Notes

Save some crispy onions to add just before plating to keep them crunchy. When shredding, toss any gelatinous bits back into the sauce for richness. Use a root beer with robust flavor for best results. Adjust liquid level to avoid steaming the pork. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crispy onions or make your own. Can be made in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, root beer pulled pork, crispy onion topping, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, pork shoulder, tender pulled pork

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/tender-slow-cooker-root-beer-pulled-pork-recipe-with-crispy-onion-topping-perfect-for-easy-dinners/