Sugar-Free BBQ Pulled Pork
Indulge in the smoky, savory goodness of Sugar-Free BBQ Pulled Pork, a healthier take on a classic comfort food favorite. This recipe features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with a robust spice rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and more, creating layers of mouthwatering flavor. A tangy sauce made with apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and liquid smoke eliminates added sugars while keeping the barbecue essence intact. Perfectly seared and slow-cooked to juicy perfection, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it piled high on sandwiches, nestled in wraps, or topping hearty grain bowls for a guilt-free indulgence. Ready in just 20 minutes of prep and with 8 hours of hands-off cooking time in a slow cooker, it’s an effortless option for meal prep or entertaining. Keywords: sugar-free barbecue, slow cooker pulled pork, healthy BBQ recipes, low-carb pork recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Begin by preparing the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Allow the pork to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until it is nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the juices and adds extra flavor.
Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, liquid smoke, and water. Stir until the tomato paste is fully dissolved in the liquid.
Pour the vinegar mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices to enhance the flavor.
Serve the sugar-free BBQ pulled pork in sandwiches, wraps, or on top of grain bowls. It can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
637 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.2 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 181 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 673 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.9 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 54 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 875 mg | 19% | |
*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.
