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Tender Keto Pulled Pork Recipe with Easy Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

tender keto pulled pork - featured image

A tender, flavorful pulled pork recipe perfect for keto diets, featuring a zesty sugar-free BBQ sauce that balances tangy and smoky flavors without added sugars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), well-marbled for tenderness
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt (preferably kosher salt)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ cup sugar-free tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure sugar-free)
  • 12 tsp erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (for BBQ sauce)
  • ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to help the rub stick. Trim excess fat if desired, leaving some for flavor and moisture. (10 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. (2 minutes)
  3. Rub the pork shoulder all over with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mix. Press it into the meat gently. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes if possible. (15-20 minutes)
  4. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
  5. While the pork cooks, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. (15-20 minutes)
  6. Check pork doneness: it should be tender enough to shred easily and reach an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
  7. Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat, removing any large chunks of fat or gristle. (10 minutes)
  8. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker or a serving bowl, pour over the zesty sugar-free BBQ sauce, and stir to combine thoroughly. (2-3 minutes)
  9. Serve the pulled pork warm on low-carb buns, lettuce wraps, or alongside keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

Notes

If pork is a bit dry, add a splash of cooking juices back in. Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to retain moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 195°F for perfect shredding. The BBQ sauce can be made ahead and reheated. For shredding ease, a stand mixer with paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds works well. If no slow cooker, use a Dutch oven at 275°F (135°C) for 4-5 hours, checking moisture.

Nutrition

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