Low Sodium BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Sink your teeth into this tender and flavorful Low Sodium BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Slow-cooked to perfection, the boneless pork shoulder is coated in a smoky spice rub and braised in a homemade low-sodium BBQ sauce made with unsalted tomato sauce, honey, molasses, and a hint of apple cider vinegar. The result is irresistibly juicy, fall-apart meat with all the bold barbecue taste, but without the excess salt. Served on hearty whole wheat buns and optionally topped with crunchy coleslaw, this crowd-pleasing sandwich is perfect for family dinners, game days, or backyard gatherings. Ready in just 20 minutes of prep and a hands-off 8-hour cooking time, this recipe is proof that heart-healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:500 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Pork shoulder (boneless)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup Unsalted tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup Unsalted chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Molasses
• 1 tablespoon Low sodium Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 pieces Whole wheat hamburger buns
• 1 cup Cole slaw (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your slow cooker on the low setting.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper.

Step 3

Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring an even coating.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side.

Step 5

Place the seared pork shoulder into the slow cooker.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, unsalted tomato sauce, unsalted chicken broth, honey, molasses, low sodium Worcestershire sauce, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7

Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.

Step 8

Cover and cook on low for approximately 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 9

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.

Step 10

Toast the whole wheat hamburger buns if desired.

Step 11

Assemble the sandwiches by spooning the pulled pork onto the bottom bun and top with cole slaw, if using. Place the top bun to complete.

Step 12

Serve the sandwiches hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2672.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5488.7

Total Fat 338.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 106.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 971.6mg	0%
Sodium 2973.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 323.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.9g	0%
Total Sugars 145.3g
Protein 297.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1046.2mg	0%
Iron 35.5mg	0%
Potassium 6473.1mg	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: 55.1%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 23.4%