FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• What To Do With Leftover Pulled Pork
• More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
• Tools For This Recipe
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

I have plenty of simple recipes, like baked chicken , tender seared pork chops , and melt-in-your-mouth sirloin steak . But with cooler weather, it’s time to bring out the slow cooker recipes , and this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is one of the simplest things you can do with your slow cooker next to Crock Pot pork chops ! With just 10 minutes of prep, this Crock Pot pulled pork becomes a fall-apart tender masterpiece. Plus, it’s a versatile staple you can use in various other dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

• Rich, savory taste
• Tender and juicy
• Simple, healthy ingredients
• 10 minutes of prep
• Hands-off cooking
• Versatile in so many dishes (or for meal prep!)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for this pulled pork slow cooker recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Boneless Pork Shoulder – The best cut of meat for pulled pork is a pork shoulder roast, as it has ideal fat content to keep it nice and juicy, and gets incredibly tender when slow cooked. I prefer boneless for less fuss, but you can use bone-in and just remove the bone after shredding. You can also use pork butt (Boston butt). I recommend trimming the excess fat, which will make it easier to handle the final shredded pork later. Don’t remove all the fat, but keep just a little bit to keep the meat juicy.
• Spices – This pulled pork Crock Pot recipe uses a combination of smoked paprika , sea salt, garlic powder , cumin , and cayenne pepper for the best flavor. You could also use black pepper instead of cayenne if you prefer.
• Olive Oil – Or avocado oil.
• Onion – I used a white onion, but you could also use yellow onion.
• Broth – Bone broth will give your pork a rich, deep flavor, but you can also use regular beef broth or chicken broth. I used store-bought for convenience, but you could make homemade bone broth if you prefer.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives the sauce great tang, plus it acts as a tenderizer. You can substitute another vinegar if you like.
• Coconut Aminos – This soy sauce substitute adds a touch of sweetness and loads of flavor. You can also use soy sauce if you tolerate soy. Worcestershire sauce will also give a similar flavor, but has more sugar.
• Blackstrap Molasses – This is optional, but helps give the slow cooker pulled pork a sweet flavor and aroma. Some people prefer to add a touch of brown sugar, but molasses will give all the flavor with much less sugar.

VARIATION: Add liquid smoke for a smoky flavor!

If you like a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of liquid smoke . This is optional and not in the ingredient list, but I think it makes the best Crock Pot pulled pork!

How To Make Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker

This section shows how to make pulled pork in the Crock Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Dry and season. Pat the trimmed pork dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
2. Brown. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear until browned on the outside.

1. Assemble. Place the diced onion into the slow cooker . Whisk together the broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and molasses. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture around (but not directly onto) the pork.

1. Cook. Slow cook pulled pork until it is fall-apart tender.
2. Shred. Transfer the pork roast to a bowl, and use two forks to gently pull the meat apart.
3. Strain and mix. Strain the onions out of the slow cooker liquid using a strainer over a bowl. Pour the extra liquid over the pulled pork recipe and stir to combine.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers from your pulled pork recipe in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

How To Reheat Pulled Pork?

For moist reheated pork, avoid the microwave. Instead, use a baking dish. Top the pork with juices (or broth), cover with foil, and bake at 250-300 degrees F until warm.

Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?

Yes, you can freeze pulled pork recipes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Serve this pulled pork recipe with some sides:

• Salads – Healthy salads like spring mix salad , a crunchy sweet kale salad , or a quick creamy cucumber salad all pair well with Crock Pot pulled pork.
• Starches – Potatoes or rice are popular options to soak up the juices. In the warmer months, potato salad goes very well with pork. I prefer lighter cauliflower potato salad or cauliflower rice , or hearty roasted sweet potatoes in the fall.
• Vegetable Sides – I love making these sandwiches with some air fried corn on the cob , but Pan fried cabbage , an easy zucchini side dish , or tender sauteed broccoli all pair well with pork.
• Appetizers – Make pulled pork sliders and serve them with your favorite appetizers like jalapeno poppers or garlic parm fries , or my favorite bacon wrapped asparagus .

What To Do With Leftover Pulled Pork

There are so many different ways to use this pulled pork recipe — you’ll love having leftovers! Choose your favorite way:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Stuff pulled pork into your favorite bread, rolls, slider buns, or hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw for a crunchy topping and your favorite barbecue sauce.
• Tacos or Burritos – Top your favorite tortillas (flour, corn, or almond flour tortillas ) with meat, salsa , cheese, and any other taco fixings.
• Pork Nachos – Top chips with this slow cooker pulled pork recipe and shredded cheese, then bake until melted. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try my cauliflower nachos , but swap out the meat for leftover pulled pork.
• Lettuce Wraps – Put warm pork into lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg work well) and top with a dressing or sauce.
• Pizza – Top your favorite pizza crust with your favorite BBQ sauce, shredded pork, red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

Looking for more easy Crock Pot recipes? Try some of my other favorites:

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Crock Pot Chicken

Sausage And Peppers

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

Tools For This Recipe

• Dutch Oven – I use this Dutch oven for searing because it heats evenly, making the perfect golden sear!
• Slow Cooker – You can program this slow cooker to start cooking at a specific time, which means dinner’s ready exactly when I want, even if I’m out all day!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 lb Boneless pork shoulder (excess fat trimmed) ▢
• 1 tbsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1 tbsp Sea salt ▢
• 2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1 tsp Cumin ▢
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper ▢
• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 medium Onion (diced) ▢
• 1 cup Beef bone broth ▢
• 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar ▢
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos ▢
• 1/2 tsp Blackstrap molasses (optional) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Use paper towels to pat the trimmed pork dry. Season all sides with smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne. Rub in the seasonings with your hands. Let sit for 20 minutes .
2. Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned on the outside.
3. Meanwhile, place the diced onion into the slow cooker .
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and molasses.
5. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture around (but not directly onto) the pork.
6. Cook for 10-12 hours on Low, until pork is fall-apart tender.
7. Transfer the pork roast to a bowl, leaving the onions behind in the slow cooker. Shred the pork with two forks.
8. Strain the onions out of the slow cooker liquid using a colander over a bowl. Pour the extra liquid over the pulled pork and stir to combine. (Alternatively, you can remove the pork, strain the onions, then return to the slow cooker to shred with the liquid.)

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition info does not include onion, which gets strained out and discarded.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Make fall-apart tender, easy pulled pork in the Crock Pot! This slow cooker pulled pork recipe has fast 10-min prep, with simple ingredients.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/

Ingredients

• 4 lb Boneless pork shoulder (excess fat trimmed)
• 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Sea salt
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 1 cup Beef bone broth
• 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos
• 1/2 tsp Blackstrap molasses (optional)

Instructions

1. Use paper towels to pat the trimmed pork dry. Season all sides with smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne. Rub in the seasonings with your hands. Let sit for 20 minutes .
2. Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned on the outside.
3. Meanwhile, place the diced onion into the slow cooker .
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and molasses.
5. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture around (but not directly onto) the pork.
6. Cook for 10-12 hours on Low, until pork is fall-apart tender.
7. Transfer the pork roast to a bowl, leaving the onions behind in the slow cooker. Shred the pork with two forks.
8. Strain the onions out of the slow cooker liquid using a colander over a bowl. Pour the extra liquid over the pulled pork and stir to combine. (Alternatively, you can remove the pork, strain the onions, then return to the slow cooker to shred with the liquid.)

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition info does not include onion, which gets strained out and discarded.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)