Name: Crockpot Pulled Pork with No Sugar BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup tomato paste; ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp mustard powder; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed; Salt and pepper, to taste

Crockpot Pulled Pork with No Sugar BBQ Sauce is a healthy, flavorful dinner featuring tender pork slow-cooked with smoky spices and a tangy, sugar-free BBQ sauce. Perfect for low-carb diets, this versatile dish shines in tacos, salads, or bowls, delivering bold taste without the sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Pulled Pork with No Sugar BBQ Sauce is a dream come true for health-conscious foodies who crave bold, smoky flavors without added sugars. The slow cooker transforms pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, while the homemade no-sugar BBQ sauce adds tangy, savory depth that’s Paleo and keto-friendly. This dish is effortless to prepare, ideal for meal prep, and versatile enough for tacos, lettuce wraps, or veggie bowls. It’s a family-friendly, guilt-free meal that satisfies cravings and keeps your healthy eating goals on track, all with minimal hands-on effort.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Select the Right Cut: Pork shoulder or butt ensures tender, juicy results due to its marbling.

Sear for Flavor: Browning the pork before slow cooking enhances depth and richness.
Trim Excess Fat: Remove large fat pieces to keep the dish lean without sacrificing flavor.
Make Sauce Ahead: Prepare the BBQ sauce in advance to streamline prep time.

Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Shred Efficiently: Use a stand mixer or two forks for quick, even shredding.
Taste and Adjust: After mixing pork with sauce, adjust seasoning to your preference.

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

Yield: 8 Servings

Crockpot Pulled Pork with No Sugar BBQ Sauce

Crockpot Pulled Pork with No Sugar BBQ Sauce: tender, smoky pork with tangy, healthy sauce, perfect for low-carb dinners.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup tomato paste
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp mustard powder
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 to ensure a good sear.

Season the Meat: Rub pork with smoked paprika, chili powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper for bold flavor.
Sear the Pork: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and 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: Nestle seared pork on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
Make No-Sugar BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth until smooth.
Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce over the pork, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours until tender.

Shred the Pork: Transfer pork to a bowl and shred with two forks or a stand mixer.
Mix with Sauce: Strain ½ cup cooking liquid, mix with shredded pork, and add extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Serve with Flair: Pile into lettuce wraps, salads, or bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil shredded pork for 3-5 minutes after mixing with sauce.
Serve with Paleo-friendly sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Adjust BBQ sauce tanginess by adding more vinegar or a dash of lemon juice.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 689Total Fat 49gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 204mgSodium 216mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 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): Perfect for slow cooking; yields tender, shreddable meat.

Onion (1 large, sliced): Adds savory sweetness; yellow onions are ideal for depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses rich, aromatic flavor; fresh is best.
Tomato Paste (¼ cup): Provides a concentrated, sugar-free base for the BBQ sauce.

Apple Cider Vinegar (⅓ cup): Adds tangy brightness to the no-sugar BBQ sauce.
Chicken Broth (1 cup, low-sodium): Keeps pork moist and enhances sauce flavor.
Smoked Paprika (1 tbsp): Delivers smoky depth without sugar; regular paprika works too.

Chili Powder (1 tsp): Adds mild heat and complexity; adjust for spice level.
Mustard Powder (1 tsp): Contributes tangy, sharp notes to the BBQ sauce.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances overall flavor; season generously before cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs or beef brisket instead of pork for variety.
Spice Variations: Add cayenne or chipotle powder for a spicier sauce.
Low-Carb Serving: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for keto-friendly meals.

Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange or lime juice for a zesty note.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with jackfruit for a plant-based version.
Sweetness Alternative: Use a small amount of mashed dates for natural sweetness if desired.

Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for extra aroma.

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 broth to maintain moisture. Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.