Succulent Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork

1. Spice Rub Preparation

Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl. Coat the pork evenly with the spice mixture. For enhanced flavor, you may cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. If short on time, proceed to browning.

2. Pork Browning

Grease the slow cooker pot lightly. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat and brown the pork on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.

3. Slow Cooker Setup

Place the chopped onion in the slow cooker if desired, and then lay the seared pork on top. Pour the dark soda over the pork. Set the cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.

4. Pork Shredding

Discard most of the cooking liquid from the cooker. Shred the pork with forks directly in the cooker. Stir in 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Adjust flavor with additional BBQ sauce, hot sauce, salt, or pepper according to taste.

5. For Crispy Edges (Optional)

To add a crisp texture, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, then return to the slow cooker.