Keto Pulled Pork: Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Recipe
February 8, 2024 | by ketooclock.com
If you’re following a keto diet or looking for a low-carb option, this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is perfect for you. Made with a 4-pound pork butt or shoulder, this dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly tender. The secret is in the slow cooking process and the delicious spice rub that enhances the taste of the meat.
To make this keto pulled pork, you’ll need a mix of spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. These spices create a flavorful spice rub that adds a delicious kick to the pork. Once seasoned, the meat is placed in the slow cooker along with a cup of chicken broth for added moisture.
Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours, allowing it to become tender and full of flavor. After cooking, simply shred the pork using two forks or tongs. You can serve the pulled pork with the juices from the slow cooker, which adds even more flavor to the dish.
With an estimated 315 calories, 3g of carbohydrates, 43g of protein, and 13g of fat per serving, this keto pulled pork recipe is not only delicious but also fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Slow cooker pulled pork is a great option for those following a keto diet.
- The pork is seasoned with a flavorful spice rub before being slow cooked for 8-10 hours.
- Shred the cooked pork and serve with the cooking juices for added flavor.
- This keto pulled pork recipe is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Ingredients and Instructions for Slow Cooker Keto Barbecue Pulled Pork
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy keto-friendly meal, this slow cooker keto barbecue pulled pork recipe is a must-try. Packed with flavor and tender to the bite, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings without breaking your diet.
Ingredients:
- 3-pound boneless pork shoulder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (keto-friendly)
Instructions:
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken stock into the slow cooker, ensuring that the liquid covers the pork shoulder.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the pork shoulder becomes fall-apart tender.
- Once the pork shoulder is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using two forks or pulled pork shredder claws, shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the juices from the slow cooker.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the shredded pork and mix well to coat the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook for an additional hour on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pulled pork is heated through and the flavors have melded, it is ready to be served.
Enjoy the succulent and flavorful slow cooker keto barbecue pulled pork on its own or use it to make delicious sandwiches or other creative dishes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage, so you can enjoy this keto-friendly meal whenever you’re in the mood for some barbecue goodness.
Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size and tenderness of the pork shoulder, as every slow cooker may vary slightly in temperature and cooking speed. Serve this mouthwatering keto pulled pork to your friends and family, and they’ll be asking for the recipe!
Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork
When it comes to slow cooker barbecue pulled pork, there’s no shortage of delicious tips and variations to try. Whether you prefer pork butt or pork shoulder, there are options to suit your taste. Let’s dive into some helpful tips and exciting variations to elevate your slow cooker barbecue pulled pork:
1. Choice of Meat
Both pork butt and pork shoulder can be used for slow cooker barbecue pulled pork. However, pork shoulder is leaner and has less fat, while pork butt has more fat marbling, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. Remember to trim any excess fat before cooking for a healthier option.
2. Seasoning the Pork
While salt and pepper are essential for flavoring the pork, you can also incorporate additional seasonings to enhance the taste. Garlic powder, onion powder, and barbecue dry rub mixes are popular choices that lend a delightful flavor profile to your pulled pork.
3. Homemade Barbecue Sauce
If you prefer a homemade barbecue sauce, you can create one using keto-friendly ingredients. There are numerous recipes available online that use low-carb sweeteners and other keto-approved ingredients. Alternatively, you can opt for a pre-made keto-friendly paleo barbecue sauce available in stores.
4. Storage and Reheating
Leftover slow cooker barbecue pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, you can use a microwave, oven, or frying pan. Simply heat until warmed through, and enjoy the delicious flavors all over again.
5. Versatile Leftovers
Don’t limit yourself to just sandwiches when it comes to leftover pulled pork. Get creative and use it in various ways. Stuff avocados with pulled pork for a satisfying meal, add it to tacos or salads for an extra protein boost, or incorporate it into pasta dishes for an unexpected twist.
With these tips and variations, you can create mouthwatering slow cooker barbecue pulled pork that will be a hit at your next gathering or simply for a comforting meal at home. Get ready to enjoy the tender, flavorful goodness of this classic dish!
Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll explore in detail how to make keto pulled pork in a crock pot or slow cooker.
How to Make Keto Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
If you’re following a keto diet and looking for a delicious and easy recipe, keto pulled pork made in a crock pot or slow cooker is a perfect option. This cooking process ensures that the pork becomes tender and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.
To start, you’ll need a pork butt or Boston butt, a cut of meat known for its marbling that adds tenderness and flavor. Create a dry rub using a combination of low-carb brown sugar, Montreal steak seasoning, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Massage this rub into the pork butt, ensuring all sides are evenly covered.
Next, prepare the “apple cider” soak. Combine water, apple cider vinegar, and low-carb brown sugar in the crock pot, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Place the seasoned pork butt into the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Preheat the crock pot on high for 6 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the pork to cook until it becomes fall-apart tender. Once cooked, remove the pork from the crock pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the pork using forks, discarding any excess fat or connective tissue. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, use the pot liquor for cooking green beans or making soup.
The keto pulled pork can be served as is, or used in a variety of recipes like sandwiches, wraps, salads, or tacos. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment. With this simple crock pot method, you can easily create a mouthwatering keto pulled pork dish that will impress your family and friends.
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