This Mary Berry Pulled Pork Recipe is a succulent and meltingly tender recipe, which features a rich spice rub and sweet cola for braising. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ready in about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeMary Berry Pulled Pork Recipe Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder, or butt
- 2 Tablespoons oil (optional if searing)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces coke (not diet)
- bbq sauce for coating meat (optional)

How To Make Mary Berry Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep the pork: Trim the pork shoulder of any thick, excess layers of fat. Cut the meat into 4 roughly equal pieces. This increases the surface area for the spice rub and helps it cook more evenly.
- Season the meat: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture generously all over the pork pieces, ensuring every crevice is coated. Note: You can do this the night before for deeper flavor.
- Sear (Optional but recommended): Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-proof pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear for a few seconds on all sides until browned. This locks in flavor.
- Braise the pork: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150°C). Pour the coke around the pork in the Dutch oven (do not wash the rub off). Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook for 3 hours.
- Finish cooking: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours. The pork is ready when it is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The liquid should have reduced significantly.
- Shred and serve: Remove the meat from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. Discard any remaining fatty bits. Toss the shredded pork in your favorite barbecue sauce if desired, or serve it with the pan juices.

Recipe Tips
- Why use Coke: Full-sugar Coca-Cola acts as a tenderizer due to its acidity (phosphoric acid) and sweetness. As it cooks down, the sugars caramelize, helping to create a dark, sticky bark on the pork. Do not use Diet Coke, as artificial sweeteners become bitter when heated.
- The Cut of Meat: Pork shoulder (also known as Boston Butt) is essential. It has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to stay moist during a long slow cook. Lean cuts like loin will dry out and become tough.
- Trimming the Fat: While you want some fat for flavor, trim the thick “fat cap” off the exterior. This allows the spice rub to penetrate the meat rather than just sitting on a layer of fat that will be discarded later.
- Make Ahead: Pulled pork is one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day. Cook it a day in advance, store it in its juices, and reheat gently.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Pulled Pork
This rich, savory meat demands fresh, crunchy, or starchy sides.
- Brioche Buns: For the classic pulled pork sandwich.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw provides necessary texture and acidity.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled with butter.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked until crispy.

How To Store Mary Berry Pulled Pork Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store the shredded pork mixed with some of its cooking juices in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled pork and juices in freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Mary Berry Pulled Pork Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 45g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (approx. 6oz meat).
FAQs
Can I use Dr. Pepper or Root Beer?
Yes, both work wonderfully as substitutes for Coke. Dr. Pepper adds a fruity note, while Root Beer adds a sarsaparilla/vanilla kick.
Should I use bone-in or boneless pork?
This recipe calls for cutting the pork into 4 pieces, which is much easier with a boneless shoulder. If you have a bone-in roast, you can leave it whole, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or more.
Is the searing step necessary?
It is optional, but highly recommended by chefs like Mary Berry. The Maillard reaction (browning) adds a depth of savory flavor that boiling/braising alone cannot achieve.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Sausage Supper Recipe
- Mary Berry Toad In The Hole Recipe
- Mary Berry Sausage And Red Pepper Casserole Recipe
Mary Berry Pulled Pork Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings20
minutes4
hours30
minutes450
kcalA foolproof, oven-braised pulled pork recipe using a secret ingredient—Coca-Cola—to tenderize the meat and create a sweet, sticky glaze perfect for sandwiches.
Ingredients
4 lb pork shoulder (butt), boneless
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
12 oz Coke (original)
BBQ Sauce (optional)
Directions
- Trim excess fat from pork and cut into 4 large chunks.
- Mix brown sugar, chili powder, onion/garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Rub spice mix thoroughly over all pork pieces.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Sear pork on all sides (optional).
- Oven Method: Pour Coke around pork. Cover and bake at 300°F for 3 hours. Uncover and bake 1-2 hours more until tender.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place pork and Coke in cooker. Low for 8 hours or High for 4-5 hours.
- Instant Pot Method: Cook on High Pressure for 70 mins + 15 mins natural release.
- Shred meat and toss with BBQ sauce or pan juices.
Notes
- Liquid Smoke: If you miss the smoky flavor of a real BBQ smoker, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the Coke before cooking.
- Resting: Let the meat rest in the liquid for 20 minutes before shredding to help it reabsorb moisture.
- Sauce: Mary often prefers serving the sauce on the side so people can control the sweetness.
