1-Step 1: Season and Prep the Meat Combine the spice rub by mixing 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Rub this mixture evenly over the pork pieces, ideally the night before to let the flavors soak in deeply. If you want an extra layer of taste, optionally sear the pork in 2 tablespoons of hot oil for a few seconds on each side to brown it.

2-Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method Cooking methods vary to fit your schedule, with options for the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. For oven cooking, preheat to 300°F (150°C), place the pork in a covered Dutch oven, pour 12 ounces of cola around it, and cook for 3 hours. Then, remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 1-2 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily. In a slow cooker, add the pork and cola, then cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until it’s fall-apart tender. For an Instant Pot, cook the pork and cola on manual/high pressure for 70 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes.

3-Step 3: Finish and Serve Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks, then mix in barbecue sauce if desired for that classic tangy finish. This step makes the pork versatile for sandwiches or salads. Remember, cooking times range from 70 minutes in an Instant Pot to 4-8 hours in a slow cooker, so plan ahead for your busy day. For more cooking techniques, explore our slow cooker recipes section on kitchencooking.net.