Sugar-Free BBQ Pulled Pork

Indulge in the smoky, savory goodness of this *Sugar-Free BBQ Pulled Pork*, a healthier twist on a barbecue classic that's perfect for anyone cutting back on sugar. This slow-cooked masterpiece features a tender pork shoulder infused with a bold, homemade spice rub crafted from smoked paprika, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. A rich, tangy sauce made with apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and a touch of liquid smoke adds depth without any added sugars. After eight hours of low-and-slow cooking, the pork is irresistibly tender and ready to be shredded and mixed with flavorful cooking juices. Serve it on sandwiches, in wraps, or atop salads for the ultimate sugar-free BBQ experience. This delicious and guilt-free recipe is easy to prepare, meal-prep friendly, and sure to impress at any gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:500 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 2

Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Allow the pork to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until it is nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the juices and adds extra flavor.

Step 4

Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, liquid smoke, and water. Stir until the tomato paste is fully dissolved in the liquid.

Step 6

Pour the vinegar mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 9

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices to enhance the flavor.

Step 10

Serve the sugar-free BBQ pulled pork in sandwiches, wraps, or on top of grain bowls. It can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2433.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5096.4

Total Fat 394.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 132.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1451.5mg	0%
Sodium 6274.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.1g	0%
Total Sugars 23.0g
Protein 338.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 383.3mg	0%
Iron 34.5mg	0%
Potassium 7448.6mg	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: 68.9%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 4.9%