Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

A tender, juicy pulled pork that’s keto-friendly and incredibly flavorful, perfect for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts.

Key Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes – 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Keto, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Equipment Needed

6-8 quart slow cooker (or Instant Pot with slow cook function)
Sharp knife
Cutting board
2 forks for shredding
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Pork:

3-4 lbs pork shoulder/butt (1.4-1.8 kg)
2 tablespoons sea salt (30g)
1 tablespoon black pepper (15g)
1 teaspoon cumin (5g)
1 teaspoon oregano (5g)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)

For the Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce:

1 cup no-sugar-added ketchup (240ml)
1 cup chicken stock (240ml) [or beef stock]
½ cup apple cider vinegar (120ml)
2 tablespoons stevia syrup (30ml) [or erythritol]
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)

Method

1. Trim the Pork

Remove excess fat from pork shoulder
Pat dry with paper towels

Raw pork shoulder on a wooden cutting board with assorted spices in small bowls under warm kitchen lighting.

2. Season the Meat

Mix all dry seasonings in a bowl
Rub thoroughly over entire pork surface
Ensure even coating

Hands lowering seasoned pork into a ceramic slow cooker in a rustic kitchen

3. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place seasoned pork in slow cooker
Set to LOW for 8-10 hours

4. Make the BBQ Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl
Whisk until thoroughly mixed

5. Add the Sauce

Pour sauce over pork after 6 hours of cooking
Do not lift lid unnecessarily

Bubbling dark red bbq sauce being poured over partially cooked pork with steam rising in a slow cooker

6. Check for Doneness

Pork should reach 190°F (88°C)
Meat should easily shred with forks

Pork shoulder cooked to 190 degrees fahrenheit, presented in golden evening light.

7. Shred and Serve

Remove pork, shred with forks
Mix with sauce to desired consistency

Crucial Tips

Don’t Skip the Fat Trimming – Remove excess fat but leave some for flavor
Temperature Matters – Low and slow cooking yields the best results
Let It Rest – Allow 10-15 minutes before shredding

Storage & Variations

Storage

Refrigerate up to 5 days
Freeze for up to 3 months
Store with cooking liquid to maintain moisture

Common Variations

Add chipotle powder for heat
Use different vinegar types
Include sliced onions in the base

Scaling Tips

Maintain cooking time regardless of quantity
Adjust seasonings proportionally
Ensure slow cooker isn’t more than ¾ full

This recipe transforms an affordable cut into a delicious, tender meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The sugar-free BBQ sauce makes it ideal for those following keto or low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor.