Indulge in the flavors of classic pulled pork without the guilt with this "Lighter Pulled Pork" recipe, a healthier twist on the barbecue favorite. Made with lean pork tenderloin, this dish is seasoned with a smoky, savory spice rub featuring smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic for a bold and vibrant taste. Slow-cooked to perfection with a tangy sauce of apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, honey, and Worcestershire, the pork becomes irresistibly tender and easy to shred. With just 20 minutes of prep and the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe is both effortless and nutrient-conscious. Serve it on whole-grain buns, in lettuce wraps, or over a hearty salad for a flavorful meal that fits any occasion. Perfect for those seeking a lighter, wholesome barbecue option without compromising taste!
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Trim any visible fat off the pork tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin until fully coated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until it is golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the liquid mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and shred it using two forks.
Optional: Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Pour about 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serve the shredded pork on whole-grain buns, in tacos, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Enjoy!
Serving size | (1282.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1515.4 |
Total Fat 46.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 12.9g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g | |
Cholesterol 616.9mg | 0% |
Sodium 5818.2mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 38.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 4.9g | 0% |
Total Sugars 23.8g | |
Protein 227.9g | 0% |
Vitamin D 72.6IU | 0% |
Calcium 152.7mg | 0% |
Iron 15.6mg | 0% |
Potassium 4985.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories