Flavored with just seasonings, this pulled pork includes no added sugar and cooks hands off in the slow cooker. But don't be fooled by its simplicity- it is packed with flavor and so juicy.
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As a teenager, a pulled pork sandwich was what I ordered any time that I was at a restaurant with one on the menu. But as I started to become more aware of nutrition, I discovered that often the sandwich would contain as much as ¼ cup of sugar!
I didn't want to give up my beloved pulled pork. And so after playing around with making my own for a few years, I now have a recipe that I like way better than any I have tried!
By not adding sugar to the pork and instead focusing on seasoning, the pork flavor really shines. And then you can control the level of sweetness by adding some Barbecue Sauce.
But because the pork isn't sweetened, there are so many other delicious recipes that leftovers can be used in such as casseroles, salads and soups.
The Ingredients
- Pork Roast- Since pulled pork gets cooked for so long, it is a great way to use cheaper and tougher cuts of meat. Fattier cuts of meat tend to make the most moist pulled pork. However, I have used all sorts of cuts of pork for this recipe and gotten great results! Pork shoulder, pork loin, pork tenderloin and even a pack of pork chops. Just make sure that that you use boneless pork.
- Water
- Black Pepper
- Sea Salt
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
The Method
- Add ingredients to the crock pot. Place the pork in the bottom of the slow cooker and then pour in the water. Sprinkle all of the seasonings over the top and cover with a lid.
- Cook. Pulled pork generally takes 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. However, all slow cookers are a bit different so you might want to start checking it a bit earlier.
- Shred. Once the pork is tender, shred with a fork right in the slow cooker. Then give it a small stir and allow it to continue to cook for about 30 minutes in order to absorb most of the juices.
- Serve. There are so many great ways to eat pulled pork. Be sure to check out some of my suggestions below!
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. See Pulled Pork Storage and Freezing for tips.
To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave. Or you can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350F in a covered oven safe dish for 15-30 minutes (depending on how much you are reheating).
Make it Your Own
If you want to put in a tad more effort with this Pulled Pork Recipe (but you don't need to- it is great as it is!), you could add some chopped onions and garlic on top like we do in this Pork Carnitas recipe!
Ideas for How to Use Pulled Pork (Sandwiches and Beyond!)
This Pulled Pork is honestly one of my favourite foods! I have definitely eaten it on its own with just a fork (or maybe my fingers...) and in all other sorts of ways! Some suggestions for how to use it:
- Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches- Mix the pork with some Barbecue Sauce, add it to a bun and top it with your favourite fixings! Onions, pickles, slaw, cheese, etc.
- Or a Classic "Sandwich" Salad- You can also skip the bun and pile the pork on top of a bed of coleslaw, onions, pickles, etc. and enjoy it as a salad.
- Chimichurri Pulled Pork Sandwiches- Or you take a slightly different sandwich route and use pork in place of chicken in this Chimichurri Chicken Grilled Cheese.
- BBQ Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes- Use it in place of chicken in these Stuffed Barbecue Chicken Sweet Potatoes.
- Pulled Pork Nachos- Use the pork in place of chicken in these White Cheddar Chicken Nachos and top with some Easy 5 minute Salsa!
- Add it to a Salad- This pork would be a delicious way to add some more protein to a garden salad or to this Santa Fe Salad!
- Use it in Soup- Try using it in place of shredded chicken in your favourite soup or as an addition in a meatless soup. I think it would be great in place of chicken in Pumpkin Rice Soup or White Chili- just add it at the end when you would stir in the cooked chicken!
- Make Quesadillas- I've been wanting to try this recipe- it looks delicious!
- Check out this list of 28 Ways to Eat Pulled Pork without Bread for even more ideas!
What are some good sides for with pulled pork?
- Crispy Oven Baked Fries
- Cajun Corn or corn on the cob
- Coleslaw or the slaw from these Chimichurri Bowls
- Santa Fe Salad
- Greek Yogurt Potato Salad
- Baked Beans (With Less Sugar)
And if you're making it for a crowd, here's how to determine How Much Pulled Pork you need.
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And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like:
- Simple Barbecued Burgers
- My Favorite Pork Carnitas
- Pork Banh Mi Burgers
- Chinese-Inspired Barbecue Pulled Pork
Recipe Card
Sugar Free Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless pork roast
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
- 1 and ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 and ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 and ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 and ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Place the pork in the bottom of a slow cooker and add the water. Sprinkle the seasonings on top.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
- Check the pork at 4 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low) to see if it is tender. If not yet tender, continue to cook, checking every 30 minutes. Once the pork is tender, shred it with a fork and allow it to cook in the juices for 30-60 additional minutes until they are mostly absorbed.
- Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Meal Ideas!
Shelby says
I love how easy the seasonings were on this! Made it so simple to whip up... plus I had leftovers for the next day! Mega win.
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Shelby! Thank you for your review.
Donny says
All the seasonings ended up making the best sauce. I love this over mashed sweet potatoes!
Janessa says
Over mashed sweet potatoes sounds delicious! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe.
tina says
Tasty and easy to make! Thank you!!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Tina! Thank you for your kind review.
Carrie says
I am not going to lie- I do love me a little brown sugar in my pulled pork recipe, but this does sound flavorful! 🙂 I will have to try this recipe soon.
Dannii says
My husband loves pulled pork, so I was excited to try this sugar free version to see if he liked it. He loved it! Will definitely be making it again.
Janessa says
Yay! Thank you for your kind review, Dannii.
Andrea says
What an easy recipe to follow. The pulled pork has perfect flavor and it's so versatile. Can't wait to make some sandwiches or tacos out of this.
Janessa says
I'm glad you liked this recipe, Andrea.
April says
Delicious recipe, made this for dinner and it was a huge hit! THank you
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, April!
Natalie says
I loved your pulled pork recipe! Your version is the one my husband loves the most, thank you!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Natalie!
Kathleen says
What a simple and delicious pulled pork recipe. It's perfect for my family.
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Kathleen!
Jill says
There's so much sugar hidden in our food! Thank you for this sugar free version of pulled pork!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Jill!
Michele says
This tasted so good and was so easy to make!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Michele!
Tara says
Oh yum! This pulled pork looks absolutely fantastic. I love how you focused on the seasonings too.
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Tara!
Shashi says
My mom is diabetic and she loved this recipe - this is going to be her go-to pulled pork recipe! Thanks so much!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Shashi!
Stephanie says
The most delicious pulled pork! So easy, hands off, great for making for a crowd to be able to still visit and not be stuck in the kitchen prepping! Very versatile. We did a build your own pulled pork sandwich with different bbq sauces and toppings, but honestly this pork is amazing just on it’s own too! Already planning when I’m going to make this next.
Janessa says
Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Stephanie.
Mysie H says
Loved the recipe will have it for dinner tonight over some mashed potatoes. First time cooking this.
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Mysie!
Sandy says
Love this healthy sugar free pulled pork. We put it on a poppyseed onion bun and coleslaw so delicious and so easy . We are planning on using the leftover pulled pork to make the easy nachos . So glad I made this pulled pork 👍😊
Janessa says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Sandy! Thank you for your kind comments. Enjoy your nachos 🙂
Linda Church says
Delicious, used chicken broth instead of water! Most definitely a Make again recipe
Janessa says
I'm so glad you liked this recipe, Linda! Thank you for your kind review.