1-First Step: Trim and season the pork Start by trimming any excess fat from the 4 pounds of pork shoulder or butt. Cut the roast into 4 pieces so it cooks more evenly. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, then rub the spice mix all over the pork. If you have time, season it the night before so the flavor can soak in.

2-Second Step: Sear for extra flavor if you want Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork pieces on all sides until browned. This step is optional, but it adds a deeper flavor and better color. If you are short on time, you can skip it and still get tender results.

3-Third Step: Choose your cooking method Now it is time to cook the pork. The method you choose depends on your kitchen setup and how much time you have. Oven method Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the pork in a covered pot or Dutch oven, then pour the 12 ounces of cola around it. Cover and cook for 3 hours. After that, uncover and cook for 1 to 2 more hours until the meat is tender and easy to shred. Slow cooker method Add the pork and cola to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours until tender. This is the easiest pulled pork crock pot recipe for busy days because it is mostly hands-off. Instant Pot method Add the pork and cola to the Instant Pot, then cook on high pressure for 70 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid. This method is handy when you want pulled pork faster than the oven or slow cooker.

4-Fourth Step: Shred the meat Once the pork is done, move it to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-size pieces. If there is liquid left in the pot or cooker, you can spoon some of it over the shredded pork to keep it moist.

5-Fifth Step: Add barbecue sauce if you want If you like saucy pork, mix in barbecue sauce after shredding. This is optional, so you can keep the pork plain for meal prep or add sauce for a fuller BBQ flavor. Taste the pork first, then add sauce a little at a time until it reaches the texture you like.

6-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Spoon the pulled pork onto buns, tortillas, baked potatoes, or rice bowls. Add slaw, pickles, onions, or extra sauce if you like. If you are planning for a party, remember that 1 pound of raw pork feeds about 3 people once cooked, so adjust the amount based on your guest count and what else you are serving.