Cherry Coke Carnitas
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Did you know that carbonated soft drinks can double as fantastic meat tenderizers? It’s true! The secret lies in their acid content. Typically, meat is tenderized with ingredients like citrus juice—think lime or lemon—but soda contains just enough acidity to break down the proteins and make your meat wonderfully tender.
But that’s not all. Using soda adds a delicious layer of flavor while it works its magic. Some of my go-to sodas for cooking are Coke, Sprite, and Ginger Ale. Each brings its own unique taste to the table—Coke adds a rich sweetness, Sprite brings a light citrusy lift, and Ginger Ale offers a subtle spice that pairs well with pork and poultry.
Most recently, I experimented with Cherry Coke, and the results were downright delicious! The deep cherry flavor elevated my carnitas to a whole new level. I used the meat to make tacos, but honestly, these carnitas would be perfect in burritos, enchiladas, nachos, or even tucked into a rice bowl. Versatility is the name of the game here!
And the best part? You only need four simple ingredients (plus salt and pepper), and the whole dish comes together in your slow cooker. That means easy prep and hours of low-and-slow cooking that makes the pork melt-in-your-mouth tender. This is comfort food with a twist—and I think you’re going to love it.
Ingredients for Cherry Coke Carnitas
- BEEF ROAST
- SALT AND PEPPER
- CHERRY COKE (NOT DIET)
- BEEF BROTH
- GARLIC
Instructions for Cherry Coke Carnitas
Begin by seasoning your beef roast generously with salt and pepper. Place it into your slow cooker.
Pour the Cherry Coke and beef broth into the slow cooker, making sure the liquids surround the roast. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Drain the cooking liquid, but be sure to reserve about ½ cup. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and pour in 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved liquid. Stir gently to combine, adding more liquid if needed to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Serve warm. This recipe makes enough for 6–8 people, depending on your serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely. While beef roast works beautifully, pork shoulder or pork butt are also great choices. They’re especially popular for carnitas-style dishes because they have the right balance of fat and tenderness.
Do I have to use Cherry Coke?
Nope! You can swap it with regular Coke, Dr Pepper, or even root beer depending on your flavor preference. Cherry Coke adds a slightly fruity depth, but any dark soda with acidity will help tenderize and flavor the meat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The meat stores well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of broth or reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Is there a way to make this in the Instant Pot?
Sure thing. Just cut the cooking time down to about 60–75 minutes on high pressure. Use natural release, then shred and add back some reserved liquid like you would with the slow cooker version.
What’s the best way to serve Cherry Coke Carnitas?
Tacos are a top choice, but don’t stop there—layer it into burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, rice bowls, or even make sliders for game day. It’s super versatile!
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Cherry Coke Carnitas
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ -3 lb beef roast
- salt and pepper
- 12 oz can Cherry Coke 1 1/2 cups (don't use Diet)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Season the beef roast with salt and pepper and place in your slow cooker.
- Pour the Cherry Coke and broth around the roast. The sprinkle with minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
- Remove roast and shred.
- Remove cooking liquid from the crock pot reserving about 1/2 cup.
- Place roast back in the crock pot adding a couple Tbsp of the reserving liquid. Mix to add the liquid to the meat. Add more of the reserved liquid if needed. You just want the meat to me nice and moist. Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from She Knows.
