keto pulled pork feature
Dinner, Low Carb, Lunch

Keto Pulled Pork

With three different ways to make it, you’ll get mouthwatering, juicy Keto Pulled Pork the way that works for you! Slow cooked, baked or tossed into the Instant Pot, either way this Keto Pulled Pork is crazy delicious and easy to make!

cast iron dish loaded with keto pulled pork

This post was originally published on January 16, 2019. It has been updated to a keto friendly version with three ways to make this drool worthy pulled pork!

If there’s one thing I can’t seem to get enough of, it’s Pulled Pork, and I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t agree! It’s perfect to make any day of the week or for a family barbecue. With three different cooking options, it’s easy to fit into any day, whether you’ve got a little time to play with it, or a lot.

Going to be away all day? Slow cook it. Got a couple of hours to play with? Bake it. Need it in a hurry? Toss it in the Instant Pot! Either way, I know you’re going to love this Keto Pulled Pork as much as we do!

Why it works

  1. Plan your pulled pork around your day, instead of planning your day around your dish, with three different ways to make this Keto Pulled Pork.
  2. Either way you make it, you’re going to get super juicy pulled pork with not a lot of effort.
  3. Flavour packed and addicting, this Keto Pulled Pork is crazy delicious and perfect for any day of the week!

Ingredients

All ingredients used in this Keto Pulled Pork.

Pork Shoulder – Also known as Pork Butt, this cut of meat is very fatty, perfect for all sorts of juicy recipes like this pulled pork, Keto Carnitas or, my favourite, Homemade Sausages!

Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener – typically blended with erythritol, I love monk fruit sweeteners because they are natural and taste great! My favourite brand is Lakanto. This particular sweetener is made to mimic brown sugar! Don’t have it? You can use your own sweetener of choice.

BBQ Sauce – Pulled pork isn’t pulled pork without being drenched in an addicting sauce. This Low Carb BBQ Sauce is easy to make and just so dang tasty!

How to make Keto Pulled Pork

Oven

Turn the oven to 300°. Grab an oven and stove safe pot, like a cast iron dutch oven, and heat it on medium high with the vegetable oil. Combine the rub ingredients and cut the roast into 8 pieces.

Cutting board with pork chopped into 8 pieces. There is a knife on the cutting board along with the mixed rub.

Massage the spices into the meat and then sear the pork in the hot oil until all sides have browned.

Cast iron dutch oven with seared pork, beside a cutting board with chopped onion.

Remove the meat and set it aside. Chop the onion and fry it in the hot pot until translucent. Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup beef broth and scrape all the little blackened bits from the bottom. Place the meat back inside the pot and add an additional 1 cup beef broth. Put a lid on the pot and place it in the oven.

Bake for 1 hour, remove the lid and then bake for 1 hour more. You should have about 1 cup juices left in the pot. Shred the pork with two forks.

Cast iron dutch oven with the baked pork, two forks are shredding the pork.

Stir in the Low Carb BBQ Sauce and enjoy!

Cast iron dutch oven loaded with pulled pork smothered in bbq sauce, ready to be served.

Slow Cooker

Heat a skillet on medium high with the vegetable oil. Combine the rub ingredients, cut the roast into 8 pieces and then massage the spices into the meat. Sear the pork in the hot oil until all sides have browned.

Skillet with seared pork.

Remove the meat and place it inside the slow cooker. Chop the onion and fry it in the hot skillet until translucent, then scrape them over the meat in the slow cooker.

Slow cooker with seared pork and fried onions over top.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 4-5 on high, then shred the pork with two forks.

Slow cooker with cooked pork, being pulled with two forks.

Add the Low Carb BBQ Sauce and then stir it all together. Enjoy!

Slow cooker with pulled pork smothered in bbq sauce, ready to be served.

Instant Pot

In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients. Cut the pork roast into 8 pieces and massage the spices into the meat.

Cutting board with 8 pieces of pulled pork smothered in spices.

Turn the instant pot on to saute, add a tbsp of oil and once hot, add half of the meat and sear on all sides. Remove the meat and repeat with the second half.

Seared pork on a plate beside the deglazed instant pot.

Deglaze the instant pot by pouring in 1/2 cup beef broth and removing all the little browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Return the meat to the pot along with the onion and an additional 1/2 cup beef broth. Do not stir!

Instant pot filled with the seared pork and chopped onions.

Secure the instant pot lid, turn the steam release valve to sealed and turn onto the pressure cook setting for 60 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, use the necessary precautions to quick release.

Once all of the steam has been released, and the pin has dropped, open the lid and remove the meat to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat.

A bowl filled with the cooked pork, being shredded with two forks.

Mix in the barbecue sauce, then stir in just enough of the juice to make it nice and moist. Serve hot and enjoy!

Bowl of pulled pork, smothered with bbq sauce and ready to be served.

Expert Tips

  1. We do not fully cook the chunks of spiced pork during the first stage. This is simply to give the pork a fast seardeepening the flavour profile of the pulled pork.
  2. Make your own sauce for this drool worthy Keto Pulled Pork using this Low Carb BBQ Sauce recipe. It’s easy to make and crazy delicious!
  3. The Fat – Everyone seems to have a different opinion about it! This basically comes down to personal preference. Leaving the big chunks of fat in during the baking process with give you a juicier meat. I personally don’t like the texture of fat so I always spend the extra time picking it out while I pull the pork.

Instant Pot Specific Tips

  1. Make sure you scrub the bottom of the pot well during the deglazing step. If this skip is stepped, you could get the dreaded BURN error, causing you to remove the ingredients, clean the pot and start all over again.
  2. Be sure the steam release valve has been set to the sealed position before the Instant Pot is set to pressure cook. If it is accidentally left open, the pot will not come to full pressure, meaning your pork will not be cooked!
  3. When releasing the steam release valve, be very careful. The steam that comes out is very high pressured, and could have some drops of hot liquid. Get out of it’s path as quickly as you can!
Pulled pork chaffle.
Pulled Pork Chaffle

Pair your Keto Pulled Pork with these recipes:

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keto pulled pork feature

Keto Pulled Pork

With three ways to make this crazy delicious, juicy, mouthwatering Keto Pulled Pork, you'll be able to work dinner around your own schedule!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Canadian, Low Carb
Servings 6 servings
Calories 422.8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion
  • ¾ cup Low Carb BBQ Sauce

Rub

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp golden monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic

Oven Method

  • 1 ½ cup beef broth

Instant Pot Method

  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions
 

Equipment Needed

Directions

    Oven Method

    • Turn the oven to 300°. Grab an oven and stove safe pot, like a cast iron dutch oven, and heat it on medium high with the vegetable oil. Combine the rub ingredients, cut the roast into 8 pieces and then massage the spices into the meat. Sear the pork in the hot oil until all sides have browned.
    • Remove the meat and set it aside. Chop the onion and fry it in the hot pot until translucent. Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup beef broth and scrape all the little blackened bits from the bottom. Place the meat back inside the pot and an additional 1 cup beef broth. Put a lid on the pot and place it in the oven.
    • Bake for 1 hour, remove the lid and then bake for 1 hour more. You should have about 1 cup juices left in the pot. Shred the pork with two forks, add the Low Carb BBQ Sauce and then stir it all together. Enjoy!

    Slow Cooker Method

    • Heat a skillet on medium high with the vegetable oil. Combine the rub ingredients, cut the roast into 8 pieces and then massage the spices into the meat. Sear the pork in the hot oil until all sides have browned.
    • Remove the meat and place it inside the slow cooker. Chop the onion and fry it in the hot skillet until translucent, then scrape them over the meat in the slow cooker.
    • Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 4-5 on high. Shred the pork with two forks, add the Low Carb BBQ Sauce and then stir it all together. Enjoy!

    Instant Pot Method

    • In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients. Cut the pork roast into 8 pieces and massage the spices into the meat.
    • Turn the instant pot on to saute, add a tbsp of oil and once hot, add half of the meat and sear on all sides. Remove the meat and repeat with the second half.
    • Deglaze the instant pot by pouring in 1/2 cup beef broth and removing all the little browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon *see note 1. Return the meat to the pot along with the onion and an additional 1/2 cup beef broth. Do not stir!
    • Secure the instant pot lid, turn the steam release valve to sealed and turn onto the pressure cook setting for 60 minutes *see note 2. After the cooking time is complete, use the necessary precautions to quick release *see note 3.
    • Once all of the steam has been released, and the pin has dropped, open the lid and remove the meat to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat, mix in the barbecue sauce, then stir in just enough of the juice to make it nice and moist. Serve hot and enjoy!

    Notes

    1. We do not fully cook the chunks of spiced pork during the first stage. This is simply to give the pork a fast seardeepening the flavour profile of the pulled pork.
    2. Make your own sauce for this drool worthy Keto Pulled Pork using this Low Carb BBQ Sauce recipe. It’s easy to make and crazy delicious!
    3. The Fat – Everyone seems to have a different opinion about it! This basically comes down to personal preference. Leaving the big chunks of fat in during the baking process with give you a juicier meat. I personally don’t like the texture of fat so I always spend the extra time picking it out while I pull the pork.

    Instant Pot Specific Tips 

    1. Make sure you scrub the bottom of the pot well during the deglazing step. If this skip is stepped, you could get the dreaded BURN error, causing you to remove the ingredients, clean the pot and start all over again.
    2. Be sure the steam release valve has been set to the sealed position before the Instant Pot is set to pressure cook. If it is accidentally left open, the pot will not come to full pressure, meaning your pork will not be cooked!
    3. When releasing the steam release valve, be very careful. The steam that comes out is very high pressured, and could have some drops of hot liquid. Get out of it’s path as quickly as you can!
     

    Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition facts are an estimate only! The ingredients you choose could have different nutritional values than the ingredients I have used.  
     * Net carb count excludes both fibre and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5lbCalories: 422.8kcalCarbohydrates: 11.5gProtein: 32gFat: 28.7gSodium: 991mgFiber: 2g
    Keyword instant pot pulled pork, keto pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    35 thoughts on “Keto Pulled Pork

    1. Eva says:

      5 stars
      So I decided to come and check this recipe in the morning, as I sit by the computer before I start my shift at work. It’s 7 am and you made me salivate over pulled pork 😀 I’m gonna daydream of a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw the whole day 😀 I guess I know what I’ll have for dinner!

      1. Aleta says:

        Eva you are too kind! I would definitely enjoy this pulled pork for breakfast.. maybe scrambled into some eggs.. yum! I hope you enjoy eating is as much as looking at it!! 😀

    2. Jenni says:

      5 stars
      This sandwich has me dreaming of summer nights! Love how easy it is with the instant pot!

    3. Alissa says:

      This is the best pulled pork recipe!!! I have tried a couple of different recipes but this one is hands down THE BEST!!! I have made this at least 4 times and my family devour’s it. Please keep the amazing recipes coming!

      1. Aleta says:

        Hey Alissa! I am sooo glad to hear your family likes this pulled pork so much! We also eat it.. probably way too often… hahah! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

    4. Alysse Gaspar says:

      5 stars
      I have tried a bunch of pulled pork recipes. I’ve ordered pulled pork from every restaurant that serves it that I go to. This is pulled pork blows all of those right out of the water. The flavour is beyond incredible with the perfect amount of moisture, not too saucy and not at all dry. I can’t wait to eat this again!!

      1. Aleta says:

        Awww thank you so so much!! <3

        1. Kushigalu says:

          5 stars
          This Keto version of pulled pork looks amazingly delicious and so juicy. I would love to try this out soon

    5. Amanda says:

      5 stars
      This pulled pork recipe is fabulous! It turned out so flavorful, and I love that you can make it three different ways.

      1. Aleta says:

        I’m so glad you loved it Amanda!

    6. 5 stars
      This pulled pork looks mouthwatering each way you’ve done it! Can’t wait to try it ourselves! We’ll make it in the slow cooker, starting it in the morning so it will be ready for when we get home from work! Yum!

    7. 5 stars
      Oh man my mouth is watering!!! This pulled pork looks SO good! Love that the instructions include how to make in my slow cooker, but I’m going to try in my oven to get that beautiful char. And thanks for sharing what low carb BBQ sauce you use…can’t wait to try this!

      1. Aleta says:

        The oven method is probably my favourite!

    8. Bernice Hill says:

      5 stars
      It sure looks like all three cooking methods produce an amazing dish! I’d love to try this pulled pork recipe. Not sure what makes it keto as I’m not really into that…it just looks delicious to me and I’m definitely into delicious.

      1. Aleta says:

        Thanks Bernice, I hope you enjoy!

    9. Marta says:

      5 stars
      I have a few friends who have started the keto diet and we’re always exchanging recipes, so I’m definitely going to pass along this pulled pork recipe!

    10. Denise says:

      5 stars
      This Pulled Pork looks amazing! Flavorful and tender, my mouth is watering. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try.

      1. Aleta says:

        Thanks Denise, I hope you love it!

    11. Jenny Graves says:

      5 stars
      This is great, can’t tell you how much I appreciate having your keto pulled pork recipe! Was debating which one to do and decided for the slow cooker version. Doing all my shopping today, I am making it for Labor day weekend. We usually have people over but not this time, it’s just me and hubby. It will be a treat!

      1. Aleta says:

        I make this Pulled Pork as a treat for my hubby as well- he loves it so much! Enjoy your weekend Jenny 🙂

    12. Eileen Kelly says:

      5 stars
      I made this pulled pork for the family for the Holiday weekend. We made it in the Instant Pot and it was just delicious. Everyone loved the pork, very tender and super easy to prepare.

      1. Aleta says:

        I am so glad to hear Eileen!

    13. Kari Alana says:

      5 stars
      I love this pulled pork! I am so happy I came across this recipe! Definitely going to be trying it soon and I have already saved it.

      1. Aleta says:

        Thanks Kari, hope you enjoy!

    14. Tronnie says:

      5 stars
      Needed a meal to feed a group and my husband was doing Keto. It received rave reviews with two newly married women asking for the recipe. I love that it was so easy to do in the crockpot and then head out to the lake to play with the rest of the family & friends. Great for Keto & non Keto followers to have a meal.

      1. Aleta says:

        I’m so glad you all enjoyed it so much Tronnie 🙂 The leftovers are great too to toss into chili – my fav!

    15. Linda says:

      5 stars
      Delicious

      1. Aleta says:

        Thanks Linda 🙂

    16. Jen Coleman says:

      Hi! This looks delicious. Quick question, do you not use any liquid in the slow cooker? I would think that the pork would be juicier and cook better..?

      1. Aleta says:

        I don’t, no, but you can if you wish. I find the fatty pork shoulder creates enough juices while it cooks 🙂

    17. Erik says:

      5 stars
      This recipe is fantastic! After using the Instant Pot method, I like to pull it apart with a fork, then spread it out on a sheet tray and put it under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes to get a little more crust.

    18. Terri Joy says:

      5 stars
      LOVE this recipe. I keep the bbq sauce on hand all the time!

      I picked up a pork butt on sale a couple of days ago,and just realized it has a bone in it. How do I proceed since I can’t cut it apart into smaller pieces? I will probably use the oven method this time, although I prefer the instant pot.

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