Braised pork with brown sugar, mustard, and cola is a sweet and savory dish that results in tender, flavorful pork. The cola’s carbonation helps to tenderize the meat while adding a hint of sweetness, and the combination of brown sugar and mustard creates a delicious glaze. Here’s a recipe to make this mouthwatering dish:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cups cola (such as Coca-Cola)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Brown the Pork:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the pork chunks with salt and black pepper.
- Add the pork pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the browned pork and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Create the Braising Liquid:
- Add the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cola, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs), paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
- Stir the mixture well, ensuring the brown sugar and mustard are fully dissolved.
5. Return the Pork:
- Return the browned pork chunks to the pot and stir to coat them with the braising liquid.
6. Braise in the Oven:
- Cover the Dutch oven or pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Braise the pork for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven.
- Using two forks, shred the pork in the pot, mixing it with the flavorful sauce.
- Discard the bay leaves and any thyme sprigs.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish the braised pork with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
9. Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious braised pork with brown sugar, mustard, and cola hot, either as a sandwich filling, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.
This braised pork dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to create a memorable and comforting meal. The long, slow cooking process makes the pork incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy!