Heart-Healthy Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

Indulge in the savory comfort of **Heart-Healthy Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork**, a wholesome twist on a barbecue classic. This guilt-free recipe features lean pork tenderloin simmered to tender perfection in a flavorful sauce made from low-sodium chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of cayenne pepper add a smoky, spiced kick, while stone-ground mustard enhances the depth of flavor. Prepared in your slow cooker with minimal effort, this dish is perfect for busy days or meal prepping. Serve the savory pulled pork on whole wheat buns, garnished with fresh cilantro and a zing of lime for a heart-healthy meal that’s bursting with taste and nutrition. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this recipe is proof that wholesome eating can still be delicious and satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:360 mins

Total Time:375 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 8 buns whole wheat burger buns
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for serving)
• 4 wedges lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin to ensure it is lean. Cut the tenderloin into a few large chunks to help it fit comfortably in your slow cooker.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Place the pork chunks on top.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, honey, stone-ground mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pour this sauce over the pork in the slow cooker.

Step 5

Add the bay leaf to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, until the pork is very tender and can be pulled apart with a fork.

Step 6

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 7

If desired, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the sauce and stir to combine.

Step 8

Serve the pulled pork on whole wheat buns, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for additional flavor. Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complete your heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1974.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3031.1

Total Fat 76.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.1g
Cholesterol 616.9mg	0%
Sodium 5327.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 289.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.0g	0%
Total Sugars 79.0g
Protein 286.3g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 979.8mg	0%
Iron 31.5mg	0%
Potassium 6002.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.1%

Protein: 38.2%

Carbs: 38.7%