Whether you cook this dish fast or slow, this easy recipe delivers tender, juicy, sugar-free savoriness in every bite!
I like having choices. Any recipe that gives me the option of cooking a dish quickly in an Instant Pot or slowly in a Crock-Pot makes me happy. Because sometimes you just want a fast meal—and other times you want mouthwatering aromas to waft through your home for hours, previewing the flavors to come.
This healthy pulled pork recipe lets you make that choice. Whether you opt for two hours of cooking time or eight, you’ll end up with juicy, tender, flavorful meat that’s cooked to perfection. The simple seasonings of salt, pepper, and chili powder play off the sweet notes of brown sugar substitute for subtly sweet and savory notes. The natural bitterness and roasted notes of black coffee bring in surprising depth and complexity, while diet soda adds a hint of caramel as it tenderizes the meat.
Flexible cook times make this dish a great choice for weeknight dinners, weekend feasts, and special occasion get-togethers. And the elevated flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
The role of soda in this recipe
Diet soft drink might seem like an unusual addition to pulled pork—but it plays a key role in both flavor and texture. The acidity in the soda helps break down the tough fibers in pork shoulder, promoting tenderness as the meat slow-cooks. Meanwhile, the sweeteners and subtle caramel or fruity notes of diet soda enhance the overall flavor, balancing out the savory spices and giving the finished pork a more complex character with less sugar and fewer calories than regular soda.
Choosing different types of diet soda can shape the final dish in subtle but noticeable ways. Diet Dr. Pepper—which was the original ingredient—infuses the dish with spiced, vanilla-like complexity. A diet cola such as Diet Coke or Pepsi introduces familiar caramel undertones. Even flavored sodas like diet cherry cola or zero-sugar ginger ale will leave their mark, so feel free to experiment! Any sugar-free soft drink with acidity and bold flavor can work. But the more distinctive the soda, the more pronounced its contribution will be in the finished pulled pork.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your pulled pork cool completely, but don’t leave it at room temp longer than 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Adding a little of the reserved cooking liquid helps keep the pork moist. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag with as much air removed as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until piping hot throughout, adding a splash of broth or reserved juices as needed for moisture.
Similar recipes to try
Hungry for more ways to prepare pork? Impress dinner guests with juicy, tender medallions of Instant Pot Keto Pork Tenderloin. Get a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in less than an hour with these Smothered Pork Chops. Bake up spicy, smoky perfection in less than half an hour with these Juicy Boneless Pork Ribs.
Healthy Pulled Pork (Instant Pot And Crock-Pot)
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder aka Boston butt or pork butt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar substitute
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 ounces black coffee
- 4 ounces diet soft drink
Instructions
- Pat all sides of the pork shoulder dry with a paper towel. Trim any large pieces of visible fat.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar substitute, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Rub this mixture all over the pork, pressing it onto every surface. Roll the meat on the board or plate to catch any excess rub.
- Let the meat rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to help the flavors penetrate.
- Pour the coffee and diet soft drink into the insert of your Instant Pot or slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder into the pot.
- For Instant Pot: If needed, cut the pork into 3-4 large pieces for more even cooking. Seal the lid and set the vent to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 55 minutes or 2 hours if the pieces are large. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly vent any remaining steam.
- For Crock-Pot: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Transfer the cooked meat to a sheet pan or large platter. Let it rest a few minutes, then shred it with two forks.
- Optional: For crisp edges, spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a foil-lined sheet pan and broil for 5 minutes until the edges begin to brown.
- Skim and discard excess fat from the cooking liquid. If desired, moisten the pork with a few spoonfuls of the strained liquid before serving.
This is so good and easy. I like to serve it with keto coleslaw.
Glad you liked, it is one of my favorites!
Not that i am shocked…..but this is amazing!
Thanks so much Charlie