Savor the mouthwatering goodness of a "Heart-Healthy Pulled Pork Burger," a lighter yet indulgent take on classic comfort food. This recipe swaps traditional fatty cuts for lean pork tenderloin, slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful marinade of balsamic vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring every bite is packed with smoky-sweet complexity. Served on whole grain buns for added fiber, these burgers are layered with creamy avocado and a vibrant mix of leafy greens to give a boost of heart-friendly nutrients. With just a quick prep and minimal effort thanks to oven slow-cooking, this wholesome dish makes a perfect family meal or crowd-pleasing party delight. Pair it with fresh veggie sides for a deliciously guilt-free treat!
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the pork tenderloin in a dish, coat it with the marinade evenly, cover the dish with cling film, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the pork is browned, add the low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Cover with a lid and place the pot in the preheated oven.
Slow-cook the pork in the oven for about 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Once tender, remove the pork from the oven and use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds inside the pot, allowing it to absorb more of the juices.
Toast the whole grain burger buns in a toaster or on a skillet until lightly crispy.
Assemble the burger by layering a generous portion of pulled pork on the bottom half of each toasted bun, followed by a few slices of avocado, a handful of leafy greens, and finally covering with the top bun.
Serve the heart-healthy pulled pork burgers immediately with a side of salad or fresh vegetable sticks.
Calories |
2120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.6 g | 106% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 3204 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.6 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.2 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.6 g | ||
| Protein | 160.9 g | 322% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 368 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 17.7 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 3898 mg | 83% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.