Name: Crockpot Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed; Salt and pepper, to taste

Crockpot Pulled Pork is a healthy, flavorful dinner featuring tender, juicy pork slow-cooked with smoky spices and tangy sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, bowls, or salads, this versatile dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for wholesome, crowd-pleasing meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Pulled Pork is a must-have for anyone craving a hearty, healthy meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker transforms affordable pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, infused with smoky, tangy flavors that satisfy every palate. This dish is incredibly versatile—pile it into buns, wrap it in lettuce, or serve over veggies for a low-carb option. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining, offering big flavor with little hands-on time. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and customizable, making it a go-to recipe for healthy, delicious dinners that everyone will love.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose Pork Shoulder: Opt for pork shoulder or butt for tender, shreddable results due to its fat content.

Trim Excess Fat: Remove large fat pieces to keep the dish leaner without losing flavor.
Use a Good Spice Rub: A generous spice coating ensures deep, smoky flavor throughout the pork.
Low and Slow: Cook on low for the best texture; high heat can dry out the meat.

Reserve Cooking Liquid: Save some liquid to keep shredded pork moist during storage or reheating.
Shred Easily: Use two forks or a stand mixer for quick, even shredding.
Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning or sauce after shredding to suit your taste.

Crisp for Texture: Broil shredded pork briefly for a caramelized, crispy edge if desired.

Yield: 8 Servings

Crockpot Pulled Pork

Crockpot Pulled Pork: tender, smoky pork slow-cooked with tangy spices, perfect for healthy sandwiches or bowls.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels for better searing.

Season Generously: Rub pork with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, coating all sides evenly.
Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Layer the Crockpot: Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add Pork and Liquids: Nestle seared pork on top, then pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over it.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until pork is tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Pork: Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks or a stand mixer.

Reserve Cooking Liquid: Strain ½ cup of cooking liquid to drizzle over shredded pork for moisture.
Taste and Adjust: Mix in additional salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Serve with Style: Pile pulled pork into lettuce wraps, buns, or bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, mix in a Paleo-friendly sauce or serve with avocado and salsa.
Serve with healthy sides like coleslaw, roasted veggies, or sweet potato fries.
Double the recipe for larger crowds or meal prep; freezes well for quick meals.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 697Total Fat 51gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 204mgSodium 212mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 54g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Pork Shoulder (3-4 lbs, boneless): Ideal for slow cooking; provides tender, juicy meat for shredding.

Onion (1 large, sliced): Adds savory sweetness; yellow or sweet onions work best.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses rich, aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is preferred.
Chicken Broth (1 cup, low-sodium): Keeps pork moist and adds depth; use homemade for best results.

Paprika (1 tbsp): Adds smoky, mild flavor; smoked paprika enhances depth.
Chili Powder (1 tsp): Provides subtle heat and complexity; adjust for spice preference.
Cumin (1 tsp): Brings warm, earthy notes essential for bold flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar (¼ cup): Adds tangy brightness to balance richness.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances overall flavor; season generously before cooking.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing pork; avocado oil is a good alternative.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Substitute pork with chicken thighs or beef brisket for a different protein.
Spice Variations: Add cayenne or chipotle powder for a spicier kick.
Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice instead of buns.

BBQ Twist: Mix in a Paleo-friendly BBQ sauce after shredding for a classic pulled pork flavor.
Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lime juice for a zesty variation.
Vegetarian Version: Use jackfruit instead of pork for a plant-based alternative.

Sweet Addition: Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of reserved cooking liquid. Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.