Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Rosemary Root Beer Slow Cooked Pork is not just a recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with the unique sweetness of root beer and aromatic rosemary, topped with a bright and zesty honey lime slaw that adds the perfect fresh crunch. This isn't just another pork recipe - it's a game-changing meal that combines unexpected ingredients to create something truly magical.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 can root beer
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning all sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large slow cooker, pour the entire can of root beer to create a flavorful liquid base for cooking the meat.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring good herb coverage.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, ensuring it's partially submerged in the root beer.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the pork to cook slowly for 7-8 hours until the meat becomes tender and easily falls apart.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the honey lime slaw by mixing coleslaw mix with honey and fresh lime juice in a separate bowl.
- Once pork is fully cooked, remove from slow cooker and shred using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
- Optional: Reduce remaining cooking liquid in a saucepan to create a more concentrated sauce if desired.
- Serve shredded pork topped with honey lime slaw, allowing guests to enjoy the tender meat and fresh, tangy accompaniment.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: A well-marbled pork shoulder (also called pork butt) ensures maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Pat the meat dry before seasoning to help create a better crust and allow seasonings to adhere properly.
- Don't rush the cooking process - slow cooking is key to achieving that fall-apart texture.
- For extra flavor depth, consider adding a few whole garlic cloves or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the root beer base.
- If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the meat at 6-7 hours to prevent overcooking.
- When shredding the pork, discard any large pieces of fat for a leaner result.
- The honey lime slaw is best prepared just before serving to maintain its fresh, crisp texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and make excellent sandwiches or tacos the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
