Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (No Bun)
Fall-apart tender pulled pork slow-cooked in a smoky sugar-free rub and sauce. Skip the bun and pile it high for an effortless keto feast.
Set it, forget it, feast
Pulled pork is one of the easiest crowd-pleasers you can make, and it is naturally keto once you swap the sugary barbecue sauce and skip the bun. A smoky spice rub and a low, slow cook do all the work while you go about your day.
The result is meltingly tender pork you can pile onto a plate, into lettuce cups, or over a slaw. Make a big batch; it freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Rub the pork the night before if you can
- Cook low and slow for the most tender meat
- Shred while warm and toss in the juices
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Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated erythritol (net carbs →)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (net carbs →)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (net carbs →)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (net carbs →)
- 3/4 cup sugar-free barbecue sauce
Instructions
- 1In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, erythritol, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 2Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating it thoroughly.
- 3Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker and nestle in the pork.
- 4Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- 5Transfer the pork to a board, shred it with two forks, and discard any large pieces of fat.
- 6Return the shredded pork to the cooker, stir in the sugar-free barbecue sauce along with some of the cooking juices, and warm through before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
How do I serve pulled pork without a bun?
Pile it into crisp lettuce cups, serve it over a tangy keto coleslaw, or plate it with roasted vegetables. It is also great on its own topped with extra sauce and pickles.
Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Cut the pork into large chunks, use the same rub and liquids, and pressure-cook on high for about 60 minutes with a natural release, then shred as directed.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.