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Yikes! As anyone who’s shopped for groceries lately knows, meat has become shockingly expensive. Ground beef is over $7 per pound. Two rib-eyes command upwards of $30. So it’s supremely satisfying to champion a cut of pork that’s less than $2 per serving AND requires only 2 additional ingredients—both of which you undoubtedly have in your pantry—to make it a memorable main course that will satisfy everyone at your table. I speak of pork steaks, the under-appreciated , underutilized version of pork shoulder. (If you can’t find this cut at your meat counter, ask your butcher to slice a small pork shoulder into steaks.)

But the co-star of this simple dish is Coca-Cola.

A Brief History of Coca-Cola

In 1886, Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton whipped up a “nerve tonic” (popular in Victorian times) made from coca leaves and kola nuts—thus, Coca-Cola was born. And yes, the whispers are true: early formulas contained trace amounts of cocaine. It wasn’t quite the party you’re imagining; back then, it was just another “medicinal ingredient.”

Why does Coke work so well with pork? When heated, Coca-Cola is transformative: Its sugars caramelize, the carbonation tenderizes the meat, and its gentle acidity breaks down fat and muscle fibers. The result? Pork that’s fall-apart tender with a glossy, mahogany glaze.

Braising pork in Coca-Cola might sound like a kitchen stunt, but it’s pure American practicality: Use what you have and make it sing.

The Best Sandwich I’ve Eaten

I’m sure you’ve found yourself in this position—spontaneously inviting guests without thinking much about the food you had on hand. I did that one Sunday, then panicked. My freezer calmed me down. I had pork steaks. I had barbecue rub. I had Coke. I had the makings for coleslaw and sandwiches. Several hours later, my friend (who was at my house for “movie night”) ate what she declared “the best sandwich she’s eaten.” She couldn’t believe the meat was made with 3 ingredients!

Serving It Up

If you don’t want to pull the meat, serve these tender pork steaks whole with mashed potatoes, rice, or cheesy grits. The sauce is sweet and tangy. If you’ve got leftovers (doubtful), they’re even better cold the next day, eaten straight from the fridge while no one’s looking.

Pork Recipes on BarbecueBible.com

• Cider-Brined Pork Chops
• North Carolina Pulled Pork
• Chipotle-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Nopalitos Corn Salad

More Blogs on Pork

• Perform a Smoky Miracle: Pulled Pork Perfection
• How to Make 3-2-1 Pulled Pork in 6 Hours Flat
• In Praise of Pork Loin

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The post Coke-Glazed Pork Steaks: A Cheap But Satisfying 3-Ingredient Meal appeared first on Barbecuebible.com.

These pulled pork sandwiches have become my go-to meal when I need to feed a crowd or just want an easy dinner that practically makes itself. The pork turns out incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking. When you pile it high on buns with some simple coleslaw, you get a satisfying meal that works […]

The post Pulled Pork Sandwiches appeared first on Simply Meat Smoking.

This slow cooker pulled pork has been my family’s favorite for years. You simply rub the pork with spices, add it to the slow cooker, and let it do all the work. After 8 hours, you get tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for sandwiches. I always make the coleslaw fresh – it adds a nice […]

The post Pulled Pork Burgers appeared first on Simply Meat Smoking.

These pulled pork sliders are absolutely irresistible! Tender, smoky pulled pork gets piled high on soft slider buns and topped with crisp, tangy coleslaw for the perfect bite. They’re incredibly easy to make, feed a crowd without much effort, and always disappear faster than I can make them. Perfect for game day gatherings, backyard parties, […]

The post Easy Pulled Pork Sliders appeared first on Simply Meat Smoking.