Unlock the Secret to Perfect Keto Pulled Pork: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meals!

This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating delicious keto-friendly pulled pork using a slow cooker. We'll explore various methods, ingredient options, and serving suggestions to help you achieve the perfect pulled pork every time. Whether you're aiming for a classic BBQ flavor or a tangy, sauce-free experience, this guide has you covered.

Why Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a Great Choice

Slow cooking a pork shoulder is an excellent method for achieving tender, fall-apart meat. The long cooking time allows the connective tissue to break down and the fat to render, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful pulled pork. This method is particularly convenient for busy individuals as it requires minimal hands-on time. Simply prepare the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.

Key Ingredients for Keto Pulled Pork

Pork Shoulder Roast: A pork butt or Boston butt is the best cut of meat. A pork sirloin roast can also be used but the cooking time needs to be reduced since it’s a leaner piece of pork. You’ll need a fatty pork roast for the most flavor when making Keto Pulled Pork. In the grocery store, you’ll typically see two cuts of pork that are great options; the Boston Butt and the Picnic Roast. Both cuts of meat are from from the shoulder of the pig. They are both relatively tough cuts of meat that are best when cooked low and slow. This helps them turn out nice and tender. Pork shoulder has less marbling and fat, whereas pork butt typically comes with a rather thick fat cap. You can use either cut for this recipe. If using pork butt, it is recommended trimming off the fat cap.
Kosher Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavor of the pork and helping it retain moisture during cooking.
Spices: Paprika, cumin, oregano, and black pepper create a flavorful spice rub that complements the pork.
Yellow Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used in the spice rub.
Avocado Oil: Used for searing the pork, avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Low-Carb Beer or Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Keto Pulled Pork

Here's a detailed guide to making the perfect slow cooker pulled pork:

Prepare the Crockpot: Add chopped onions and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
Make the Spice Rub: Mix together the kosher salt and seasonings. For a keto-friendly rub, swap out the sugar for keto-friendly sugar in both the rub and BBQ sauce. Monkfruit Golden is a mix of monk fruit extract and erythritol.
Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder roast into large chunks. Completely coat the pork pieces with the spice mixture. Place pork in the slow cooker. Massage the spice rub all over the meat. You may have some left over if you have a smaller cut of meat.
Sear the Pork (Optional): Add avocado oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Brown each piece of seasoned pork on all sides. A dark browned color gives the pulled pork more depth of flavor. Searing the meat to create a deeper flavor. The extra step is worth the effort. After trying both ways, we can tell you…you really don’t need to sear the pork before putting it in the crockpot. If you like pulled pork with crispy bits, we’ve got you covered.
Slow Cook: Add the browned pork pieces into the crockpot with the onions and garlic. When you're ready to cook, pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours. To cook this roast you will want to place the roast in the slow cooker with the skin side up. Cooking the roast like this will allow the meat to cook in the vinegar and keep your roast moist. The pork roast then cooks for 10-12 hours in the slow cooker on low heat. Slow cook the pork on the low setting for 4 hours. The pork should easily fall apart when pierced with a fork.
Shred the Pork: Remove the chunks of pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. When I am doing this, I remove the larger chunks of fat. This is optional and dependent on how thick the fat cap is on your pork shoulder. You can spoon some of the juices from the slow cooker on to the pork for serving.
Skim the Fat (Optional): Optionally, skim the excess fat from the liquid in the crockpot. Put the pork back into the liquid and mix it to coat the pork in the flavorful broth.

Keto-Friendly BBQ Sauce Options

Pulled pork is often made with barbecue sauce. Toss the shredded pork in your favorite sauce, or whip up this healthier Honey BBQ Sauce (made with honey and apple cider vinegar).

Homemade Keto BBQ Sauce: Yes! I tweaked my family’s recipe for homemade BBQ sauce to make it keto-friendly. I have so many fond memories of my daddy. I remember him always making homemade BBQ sauce. He would stand over the pot of sauce and taste test it until it was just right. Tonight at dinner, my four-year old daughter called it Papa’s sauce, which I love.
Store-Bought Keto BBQ Sauce: To keep this a quick and easy keto barbecue pulled pork recipe, I used a pre-made keto-friendly paleo barbecue sauce. This is the brand I use.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Instant Pot Keto Pulled Pork

For those who prefer a faster cooking method, an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker can be used.

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Prepare the Pork: Cut the Boston butt or pork shoulder into equally sized chunks so that it will cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
Sear the Pork: Turn Instant or electric pressure cooker to saute and add 2 tbsp olive oil when it is hot. In a small bowl, combine the spices along with the Lakanto Monkfruit Golden and coat the pork. Sear each piece of the pork roast on each side in the Instant Pot (approx 3-4 minutes), then remove from Instant Pot and set aside.)
Deglaze the Pot: After each piece of the roast has been seared and removed from the pan deglaze the inner pot by adding the chicken broth then scraping the bottom of the pan, with a wooden spoon. All of the bits of pork that were stuck to the pan should come up easily. They have incredible flavor, so leave them in the Instant Pot.
Pressure Cook: Add the apple cider vinegar, Bragg's Aminos, and liquid smoke to the pan, then place the pieces of seared pork roast back in the liquid mixture. Turn the Instant Pot from the saute function to high pressure for 70 minutes. It will take 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before it begins to pressure cook the pork roast.
Natural Release: Once the pressure cooking has completed, let the pressure naturally release for 20 minutes. If the pin has not dropped, do a QR to release the steam before carefully removing the lid.
Shred and Sauce: Scoop the pork into a bow,l leaving the liquid in the Instant Pot. Using two forks shred the meat. Add approx one to two cups homemade keto bbq sauce (or store bought keto version). Stir to combine the sauce and the pulled pork before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Keto Pulled Pork

This juicy pork is a delicious protein to add to any meal. Try serving it with:

BBQ Pulled Pork: If you’d like a saucier pulled pork, add your favorite BBQ sauce or use this Homemade BBQ Sauce. Perfect for layering over rice, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash. Try these amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
Shredded Pork Tacos or Rice Bowls: Make pork tacos with traditional tortillas or with lettuce wraps. You can also take this pork South of the Border with rice bowls using steamed white rice or cauliflower rice. Salsa, cheese.
With Coleslaw or a Cabbage Salad: It’s a great combo with a crunchy slaw! We often eat this beer pulled pork over a pile of my keto coleslaw.
Keto Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: My favorite way is to make home-made keto pulled pork mac and cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food and a traditional meal the whole family will love.
Lettuce Wraps or Pizza Topping: Because this tangy pulled pork recipe isn’t swimming in barbecue sauce, it can be enjoyed in various ways. You could also wrap some of the meat in a keto tortilla or a large lettuce leaf to make a lettuce wrap. I also like the idea of using some of the meat as a topping on a fat-head dough pizza.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Once the pork has fully cooled, pack it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. If making this for meal prep, we’ve found it will last 5-6 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing: This pork freezes beautifully! Pack it in freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze it for up to 4 months.
Reheating: The fat in the juices of the pork will solidify when chilled. Reheat this pork in the oven on 400º F for 15 minutes, or by stir frying it in a skillet over medium high heat. I recommend reheating it in a skillet with a little chicken stock and then tossing it in more barbecue sauce.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Spice it Up: For some extra kick, try adding some of my Pickled Jalapeños.
Add Fresh Garlic: Everything is better with garlic! Add Onion: I am a firm believer that all the best recipes start with garlic and onion. Chop up a small onions and cook it with the pork. Just like the garlic, shred the onion and mix it into the pork.
Dry Rub: To add even more flavor to the this keto pulled pork recipe, rub the pork shoulder down with my Keto Barbecue Dry Rub Seasoning blend before adding it to the slow cooker.
Make Ahead: Yes, absolutely. This is a great make ahead meal. Use it for meal prep, or just make it before the rest of your feast to cut down on prep time. If making ahead, store in the fridge for 4 days. After that, you can transfer it to the freezer. Use it to make pulled pork tacos.
Leftover Pulled Pork: Leftover pulled pork reheats well and is great for use in other recipes!

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