Pork roast is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be easily adapted to fit a ketogenic lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or a show-stopping main course for a holiday dinner, there's a keto pork roast recipe out there for you. This guide will explore various methods and flavor combinations to help you create the perfect keto-friendly pork roast.
Slow Cooker Keto Pork Roast Recipes
Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for creating tender and juicy pork roasts with minimal effort. Here are a few variations to try:
Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Pork Tenderloin
This Asian-inspired dish is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. It's an effortless recipe that pairs well with a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Whole garlic cloves
- Ginger garlic sauce (keto-friendly)
- Water or broth
Instructions:
- Place the pork tenderloin in the bottom of the slow cooker with a few whole garlic cloves.
- Pour in water or broth to keep the meat moist, being careful not to pour it directly on the garlic cloves.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the meat shreds easily.
- When ready to serve, combine the ginger garlic sauce ingredients in a small sauce pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and place it on an oven-proof pan.
Keto Slow Cooker Pork Roast
This recipe is a simple and tasty low-carb dinner option that you can set and forget. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Boneless pork butt (or pork shoulder)
- Chicken broth (or beef broth)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, Xanthan Gum (for thickening the sauce)
Instructions:
- Liberally salt and pepper the pork roast.
- In a hot cast-iron skillet, melt ½ a stick of butter and sear the roast on all sides.
- Add the pork roast and the leftover butter and bits from the bottom of the skillet to a slow cooker.
- Add all of the other ingredients and slow cook on low for 9-10 hours or high 6-7 hours or until the roast falls apart.
- Shred with two forks and then add back to your slow cooker for 30 minutes to an hour on high.
- If desired, thicken the sauce by simmering with cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and xanthan gum.
Mississippi Pork Roast
This recipe is known for its juicy, fork-tender pork that's slow-cooked in Au Jus and ranch seasoning with pepperoncini for unbelievable flavor.
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Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound pork roast (pork shoulder or pork butt)
- 1 packet Au Jus seasoning mix
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)
- Butter
Instructions:
- Add the pork roast to a crockpot and sprinkle with the Au Jus and ranch seasoning packets.
- Place pats of butter over the pork roast.
- Arrange the peppers around the roast and add ¼ cup of juice from the jar of pepperoncini to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours or until the pork roast shreds apart easily.
- Use a couple of forks and shred the roast to your liking.
Oven-Roasted Keto Pork Roast Recipes
Oven roasting is another excellent method for cooking pork roast, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish with a beautiful crust.
Mom’s Keto Pork Loin
This recipe utilizes an awesome marinade to create an incredibly moist and flavorful pork loin.
Ingredients:
- Pork loin
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Tamari (or soy sauce)
- Keto brown sugar (such as Swerve)
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Place pork loin in a large resealable plastic bag.
- In a small mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients. Stir or whisk to combine.
- Pour marinade over pork. Press out as much air from the bag as possible while sealing the bag. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Transfer pork loin to a 13x9 inch baking dish. Pour marinade over meat.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes per pound or until pork reaches a temperature of 150-160 degrees.
- Remove pork from oven and allow to set for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with roast drippings if desired.
Roasted Pork Loin with Lemon Aioli
This recipe features a perfectly seasoned oven-roasted pork loin drizzled with an exquisite lemon aioli.
Ingredients:
- Pork loin
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Chopped parsley
- Black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place the loin on a roasting pan or baking tray.
- If not using a marinated pork, make a quick rub of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Rub it on the meat.
- Roast the pork until the internal temperature is at least 145°F.
- Let the meat rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to set.
- While meat cooks, make the aioli. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve over pork roast.
Easy Roasted Pork Shoulder
This recipe results in tender meat and super crispy skin, and it's healthy enough to fit into various diets, including Whole 30, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, and Squeaky Clean Keto.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Fat/oil (such as olive oil or lard)
- Basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Chives
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Toss onion, garlic, tomatoes, and mushrooms in a large Dutch oven (or similarly large, oven-proof pot) and add the fat/oil, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Push veggies to the sides of the pot and lay in pork shoulder (fat-side-up).
- Remove from oven and transfer pork shoulder to sheet tray, piece by piece, using tongs.
- Reduce cooking juices over medium-high heat for 15 minutes until thickened (keep a close eye on it and stir frequently so it doesn’t scorch/burn on the bottom).
- Stir in butter and chives.
- Roughly shred pork then return to the pot with cooking juices.
Rosemary Garlic Pork Loin Roast
This timeless pork loin recipe utilizes fresh rosemary and garlic for a flavorful and aromatic dish.
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Ingredients:
- Pork loin
- Fresh rosemary
- Garlic
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Mustard
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, add the mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, and garlic and mix until well combined.
- Coat pork with mixture.
- Cook pork for 60-75 minutes or until it has reached a temperature of 150-160 degrees when using a meat thermometer.
Instant Pot Keto Pork Roast Recipe
Keto Jerk Pork Roast
This recipe uses Jamaican Jerk seasoning to create a meltingly tender and delicious pulled pork in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
- Pork roast
- Jamaican Jerk seasoning
- Beef broth
Instructions:
- Coat the pork roast in Jamaican Jerk seasoning.
- Sear the pork roast in the Instant Pot. (A word of caution… When searing the pork roast with the Jamaican Jerk spices on it, the resulting smoke can be super spicy and cause a painful coughing fit if you breathe it in.)
- Add 1 cup of beef broth to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook until tender.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Pork Roast
- Choose the right cut of pork: Pork loin, pork shoulder, and pork butt are all excellent choices for roasting. Pork loin is leaner, while pork shoulder and butt have more fat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- Marinate for flavor and moisture: Marinating the pork loin gives it amazing flavor and makes the meat juicy and moist.
- Don't be afraid of fat: When choosing your cut of meat, don’t shy away from those covered in fat. The fat will help keep the pork nice and juicy while adding a ton of flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your pork roast is cooked to the correct temperature, use a digital meat thermometer. The accurate temperature of cooked pork as per Pork Checkoff, cook your tenderloin to an internal temperature of at least a temperature of 145°F.
- Let the meat rest: Let the meat rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to set.
- Consider the benefits of garlic, protein and antioxidants: Garlic is a miracle ingredient for heart health and inflammation. Protein is vital for physical strength and mobility. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in rosemary may even benefit people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Serving Suggestions
Pork roast is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of keto-friendly sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed cauliflower or mashed turnips
- Cauliflower mac and cheese
- Roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus)
- Keto salsa verde
- Chopped cilantro
- Lettuce
- Sliced avocado
- Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
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