Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become one of my favorites, a delicious spicy and sugar free pulled pork. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto, paleo or Banting diet. This is one of my favorite ways to eat pork, it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and budget-friendly. It’s an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, I’ll provide both stovetop and slow cooker instructions to fit your schedule and cooking preferences.
Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re enjoying it in lettuce wraps, on top of a salad, or straight from the pot, this recipe ensures you get a flavorful, tender pork dish without the extra sugar or carbs. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle while still indulging in delicious, hearty meals.
Sugar free pulled pork
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. or 900g pork shoulder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds or 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup organic sugar-free chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep the Pork Shoulder: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the spice rub adhere better and the meat to brown nicely.
- Mix the Spice Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin seeds or ground coriander, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Rub the Pork: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This will infuse the meat with robust flavors.
Stovetop Cooking Method
- Brown the Pork: Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and brown on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add the Broth: Once the pork is browned, add the chicken broth to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the pork. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the Pork: Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t evaporated completely, adding a bit more broth if needed. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and shreds easily.
Slow Cooker Method
- Prep as Above: Follow the same steps to prep the pork and spice rub as above.
- Slow Cooker Cooking: Place the rubbed pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
Shredding the Pork
- Shred the Pork: Remove the cooked pork shoulder from the pot or slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix with Juices: Return the shredded pork to the pot or slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices. This keeps the pork moist and flavorful.
Recipe notes and tips
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Add more if you prefer more spicy.You can also substitute the coriander or cumin with fennel
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
- Make-Ahead Meal: This pulled pork is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week in various dishes.
How I like to serve pulled pork
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the pulled pork into iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb wrap. Top with your favorite low-carb toppings like avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
- Salads: Add the pulled pork to a hearty salad. This is one of my favorite ways to serve this sugar free pulled pork.
- Bowls: Create a low-carb bowl with sugar free pulled pork, cauliflower rice, sautéed vegetables, and a dollop of guacamole.
- Straight Up: I also enjoy the pulled pork on its own, straight from the pot, for a simple and satisfying meal.
This sugar free pulled pork recipe is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal plan. You will love it even more if you are following a keto or banting or paleo diet because its sugar free. I love making this on Sundays as part of my weekly low carb meal prep and save for mid week lunches. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. I hope you enjoy making and eating this pulled pork as much as I do! I’d love to hear how your pulled pork turned out! Please leave a comment below with your favorite ways to enjoy pulled pork or any variations you tried.
I like the idea of a low-carb bowl. I enjoyed this pulled pork!
Thank you. I’m glad you tried the recipe.