Easy sugar free pulled pork

 Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become one of my favorites, a delicious spicy and sugar free pulled pork.  It’s perfect for anyone following a keto, paleo or Banting diet. This is one of my favorite ways to eat pork, it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and budget-friendly. It’s  an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, I’ll provide both stovetop and slow cooker instructions to fit your schedule and cooking preferences.

Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re enjoying it in lettuce wraps, on top of a salad, or straight from the pot, this recipe ensures you get a flavorful, tender pork dish without the extra sugar or carbs. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle while still indulging in delicious, hearty meals.

 

Sugar free pulled pork

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 1:20 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. or 900g pork shoulder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds or 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup organic sugar-free chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preparation

   • Prep the Pork Shoulder: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the spice rub adhere better and the meat to brown nicely.
   • Mix the Spice Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin seeds or ground coriander, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
   • Rub the Pork: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This will infuse the meat with robust flavors.

   Stovetop Cooking Method

   • Brown the Pork: Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and brown on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
   • Add the Broth: Once the pork is browned, add the chicken broth to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the pork. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Simmer the Pork: Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t evaporated completely, adding a bit more broth if needed. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and shreds easily.

   Slow Cooker Method

   • Prep as Above: Follow the same steps to prep the pork and spice rub as above.
   • Slow Cooker Cooking: Place the rubbed pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.

   Shredding the Pork

   • Shred the Pork: Remove the cooked pork shoulder from the pot or slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
   • Mix with Juices: Return the shredded pork to the pot or slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices. This keeps the pork moist and flavorful.

   Recipe notes and tips

   • Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne   pepper. Add more if you prefer more spicy.

     You can also substitute the coriander or cumin with fennel
   • Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
   • Make-Ahead Meal: This pulled pork is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week in various dishes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 5g

Notes

You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned if needed. This recipe is freezer-friendly.

How I like to serve  pulled pork?

1. Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the pulled pork into iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb wrap. Top with your favorite low-carb toppings like avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
2. Salads: Add the pulled pork to a hearty salad.  This is one of my favorite ways to serve this sugar free pulled pork.
3. Bowls: Create a low-carb bowl with sugar free pulled pork, cauliflower rice, sautéed vegetables, and a dollop of guacamole.
4. Straight Up: I also enjoy the pulled pork on its own, straight from the pot, for a simple and satisfying meal.

This sugar free pulled pork recipe is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal plan.  You will love it even more if you are following a keto or banting or paleo diet because its sugar free.  I love making this on Sundays as part of my weekly low carb meal prep and save for mid week lunches. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. I hope you enjoy making and eating this pulled pork as much as I do! I’d love to hear how your pulled pork turned out! Please leave a comment below with your favorite ways to enjoy pulled pork or any variations you tried.

Easy sugar free pulled pork

Thursday, 3 July 2025

Broccoli Slaw

 I am excited to share a recipe for a delicious broccoli slaw that is perfect for any meal. This budget friendly salad is not only packed with nutrients but also makes a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional coleslaw. Broccoli slaw is a delightful twist on classic coleslaw, primarily made with shredded broccoli stems instead of cabbage. I always try my best to avoid food waste, and this is a great way to make use of the often-overlooked and sometimes discarded part of the broccoli. This results in a crunchy, flavorful slaw that’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a healthy side dish.

As someone who follows a low-carb diet, I can vouch for how perfectly this broccoli slaw fits into my meal plan. My meals are mainly whole foods and I avoid processed carbohydrates, focusing instead on healthy fats and proteins. This slaw, with its fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, is both satisfying and nutritious, without the carb overload. It is perfect whether you are on keto or banting.  Just make sure you use a mayonnaise that is low-carb friendly or a homemade one.

Serving suggestions

1. As a Side Dish: Serve this slaw alongside grilled meats like chicken, beef, or fish. Its fresh crunch pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of grilled food.
2. On Sandwiches and Wraps: Use this slaw as a crunchy topping for your favorite sandwiches or wraps. It adds a refreshing bite and extra nutrients.
3. With BBQ: This slaw is a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread. It complements the smoky flavors of barbecue meats and adds a light, tangy contrast.
4. As a Main Dish: For a light lunch or dinner, turn this slaw into a main dish by adding some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.
5. Potluck and Picnic Favorite: This broccoli slaw travels well, making it an excellent choice for potlucks and picnics. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

Tips

• Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. You can add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Storage: Store the broccoli slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Dressing Variations: If you prefer a different flavor, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.

This super quick, budget friendly low carb salad recipe is also perfect for those nights when you want a light and tasty side dish without pulling out another pot or pan. Just toss the ingredients into a large bowl and give it a quick stir to combine  and viola! You have a satisfying side dish or a crunchy filling for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.

I’d love to hear how your broccoli slaw turned out! Please leave a comment below with your variations or tips. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media. And if you haven’t already, subscribe for more healthy recipes.

 

Broccoli Slaw

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 12 oz. bag broccoli slaw/shredded broccoli stems
• ¼ c. fresh parsley leaves chopped
• 2 T. Mayonnaise
• 1 T. apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 c. green onions
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add broccoli slaw, parsley, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and green onion to a large glass bowl and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
2. Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for a couple hours to chill, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

Notes

Nutritional information/serving:

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g

To make the broccoli slaw from scratch, combine the following ingredients:

• Broccoli Stems 
• Red Cabbage 
• Carrots 
• Green Onions 
• Fresh Parsley 

Why I love this broccoli slaw?

• Quick to Assemble: One of the best things about this recipe is how quick it is to put together. With pre-packaged broccoli slaw, it takes just minutes to chop the parsley and green onions and mix everything up. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes.
• Budget-Friendly: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Buying a bag of pre-made broccoli slaw saves time and is often cheaper than buying whole heads of broccoli and carrots separately.
• Nutrient-Packed: Broccoli is a superfood, rich in  fiber, and antioxidants. Parsley adds a fresh flavor and additional nutrients like vitamin A. The dressing, made with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, is both creamy and tangy, enhancing the overall flavor without adding many carbs.
• Versatile: This slaw is incredibly versatile. It can be a side dish, a topping for sandwiches and burgers, or even a main dish if you add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your diet in a tasty way.  You can also make slaw from scratch with fresh ingredients (details in recipe card).

Broccoli Slaw