Slow-cooked shredded pork served in a tangy barbecue sauce is a treat for everyone. This Shredded Pork is restaurant quality and super easy to make. The recipe includes instructions on how to cook the pork in the oven, slow cooker, and Instant Pot.

Invite your friends over to enjoy this delicious shredded pork. Serve it on toasted buns with sides of coleslaw and potato salad.

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What Is Shredded Pork?

Also known as pulled pork, shredded pork is a roast of pork that’s been slow cooked until very tender and then shredded into small pieces. Shredded pork is a southern dish typically served with barbecue sauce and is a popular barbecue menu item.

Ingredients You’ll Need

pork shoulder or pork butt
oil (optional if searing)
brown sugar
garlic powder
onion powder
cumin
chili powder
kosher salt and black pepper
regular coke
optional barbecue sauce for coating the meat

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How to Make Shredded Pork

Combine the sugar and spices in a small bowl and rub all over the pork. This step can be done the night before if desired.
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cut pork pieces and sear for a few minutes on all sides.
Preheat the oven to 300°F and place the pork in a dutch oven. Pour the coke around the meat and cover with a lid.
Bake for 3 hours, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Remove the pork from the oven and use 2 forks to shred the meat. Toss in barbecue sauce if desired.

What’s The Best Cut Of Meat For Shredded Pork?

The most popular cut is pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt and pork butt. It has a high-fat content that results in flavorful pork that is fork tender.

Tips And Tricks

If you can’t find pork shoulder, look for packages marked ‘Boston butt’ or ‘pork butt’.
The spice rub can be added to the pork the night before for more flavor.
Use your favorite flavor of barbecue sauce.
Leftover shredded pork can be enjoyed in enchiladas, on tacos or pizza.

How to Store Shredded Pork

Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Shredded Pork?

Yes. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen leftovers should be thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Shredded Pork

The oven is the best way to reheat shredded pork. Preheat the oven to 250°F and place the pork and any leftover juices in an oven-safe dish. If the meat is dry, add some watered-down barbecue sauce or a splash of broth, apple juice, or water. Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes until hot.

Using a slow cooker is a great way to gently reheat shredded pork. Place the pork and any leftover juices in a slow cooker. If needed, add broth, apple juice, or water. Cover and set the slow cooker to the warm setting or low. Heat until hot.

To reheat shredded pork quickly, use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe container, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in one-minute intervals until heated through.

How To Serve Shredded Pork

Shredded pork is typically served on toasted buns, or alongside baked beans, veggies, coleslaw, salads, or corn on the cob.

How Much Shredded Pork Do You Need Per Person?

Aim for about 6-8 ounces of shredded pork per person, depending on the other items on the menu.

What’s The Difference Between Shredded Pork And Pulled Pork?

Shredded and pulled pork are essentially the same thing. Some barbecue experts believe there is a subtle difference: shredded pork should have no large clumps of meat while pulled pork can.

How To Make Shredded Pork Tender

The best way to achieve melt-in-your-mouth shredded pork is to cook it low and slow. It’s a dish that cannot be rushed. As the pork cooks, the connective tissues soften, and the pork becomes more tender.

Shredded Pork Recipe