Low Sodium BBQ Pulled Pork

Indulge in the smoky, tangy flavors of this mouthwatering Low Sodium BBQ Pulled Pork, the healthier take on a barbecue classic that doesn’t compromise on taste. Tender pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection with a bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, then bathed in a rich homemade sauce made from low-sodium ingredients like apple cider vinegar, unsweetened applesauce, and no-salt-added tomato paste. Sweetened with a touch of honey and enhanced with the depth of liquid smoke, this pulled pork recipe is perfect for those watching their sodium intake. With just 20 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the rest, it’s an effortless dish ideal for meal prepping, family dinners, or your next gathering. Serve it piled high on whole-grain buns, atop a bed of aromatic rice, or alongside your favorite wholesome sides for a versatile and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:500 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 1 can (6 oz) Tomato paste (no salt added)
• 0.5 cup Honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder

Directions

Step 1

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and ground cumin.

Step 3

Rub the spice blend evenly over the pork pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 4

Place the seasoned pork into a slow cooker.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, unsweetened applesauce, tomato paste, honey, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, and chili powder until smooth.

Step 6

Pour the homemade sauce over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are covered.

Step 7

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and falls apart easily.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.

Step 9

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce.

Step 10

Serve the low sodium BBQ pulled pork on whole grain rolls, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2659.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5386.8

Total Fat 372.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 127.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1270.1mg	0%
Sodium 2113.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.9g	0%
Total Sugars 148.1g
Protein 340.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 390.6mg	0%
Iron 32.3mg	0%
Potassium 7337.2mg	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: 61.3%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 13.8%