Lightened Up Pulled Pork
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistibly flavorful Lightened Up Pulled Pork recipe, a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean, boneless pork shoulder, this dish is infused with a bold blend of spices—like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder—then slow-cooked to tender perfection in a tangy, low-sugar sauce featuring apple cider vinegar, honey, and a hint of Worcestershire. The result? A rich, smoky, and perfectly seasoned pulled pork that's satisfying without the guilt. Serve it on whole wheat buns with coleslaw for a wholesome meal, or enjoy it as a protein-packed topping for salads. With just 15 minutes of prep and the magic of your slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or your next barbecue get-together.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp Liquid smoke (optional)
- 6 pcs Whole wheat buns (optional, for serving)
- 2 cups Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the trimmed pork shoulder, ensuring to coat all sides.
In a slow cooker, combine the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, tomato paste, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke (if using). Stir until well mixed.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, turning it a few times to coat it in the sauce.
Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker, then return the shredded pork to the liquid to keep it moist and infused with flavor. Stir well to combine.
Serve the pulled pork on whole wheat buns or with a side of coleslaw for a lighter meal option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
851 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.1 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 185 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 903 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.8 g | ||
| Protein | 56.3 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 112 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 1066 mg | 23% | |
*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.
